IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
| Vessel Name: Riverside Vessel Type: Steamer (Propeller Vessel) Build Date: 1892 Builder: Mason, Buffalo, NY Dimensions:Length: 137 feet (after modifications) Beam: 19 feet Depth: 6 feet Tonnage: Initially 124 gross tons, reduced to 60 gross tons after modifications Final Resting Place: Near Hill Island, St. Lawrence River, NY Coordinates: 44°21’26.7″N 75°55’47.0″W Depth at Wreck Site: 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) |
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Riverside was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer, a common type of vessel used on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially built in 1892, the Riverside was designed for both passenger and freight transport, serving the bustling waterways of the Great Lakes region. Its modifications over the years, including an increase in length, reflected the evolving demands of maritime commerce in the area.
HISTORY #
The Riverside was launched in 1892 in Buffalo, New York, by Mason, a prominent shipbuilder of the time. Originally measuring 84.5 feet in length, the vessel was expanded to 112.5 feet in 1904, and eventually reached 137 feet after further modifications. The vessel was equipped with a single propeller powered by a 450hp high-pressure engine, making it suitable for navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
Throughout its operational life, the Riverside changed hands several times. In 1899, it was owned by W.J. Ziegele of Buffalo, NY, before being sold to Wallace W. Holmes of Redwood, NY, in 1930. Holmes made additional modifications to the vessel, reducing its gross tonnage to 60 tons.
The Riverside played a significant role in regional transportation, carrying goods and passengers between various ports along the St. Lawrence River. However, as transportation technology advanced and larger, more efficient vessels were introduced, the Riverside gradually became obsolete.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Riverside was abandoned near Cape Vincent, NY, in 1940. The exact circumstances leading to its abandonment are not well documented, but it is believed that the vessel became increasingly difficult to maintain and operate as newer technologies emerged. The Riverside was left to rest on the riverbed near Hill Island, where it remains to this day.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
While the Riverside’s wreck was known to be in the vicinity of Hill Island, its exact location was documented by local divers and historians who explored the area in the decades following its abandonment. The wreck is now a known site for diving enthusiasts exploring the historical shipwrecks of the St. Lawrence River.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Currently, there are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the Riverside. However, divers should exercise caution when exploring the site, as visibility can vary and the area is known for strong currents.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides detailed historical records of vessels like the Riverside and their operational histories.
- Great Lakes Ships: Offers additional context on the types of vessels used on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, including the Riverside.
- New York State Underwater Archaeology: Information on underwater archaeological sites in New York, including those in the St. Lawrence River.
- Bowling Green State University: The Great Lakes Maritime Collection may have additional resources and historical documents related to the Riverside.
- Local Historical Societies: Archives at the Thousand Islands Historical Society or other regional institutions may contain photographs and records of the Riverside.
- Online Archives and Databases: Websites like Flickr or the Maritime History of the Great Lakes may feature historical images and additional data on the Riverside.
CONCLUSION #
The Riverside’s history is emblematic of the challenges faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its construction in 1892 to its abandonment in 1940, the Riverside witnessed significant changes in maritime technology and commerce. Today, the wreck of the Riverside serves as a historical landmark, offering insights into the maritime heritage of the region and a unique diving experience for those exploring the waters near Hill Island.
KEYWORDS #
New York underwater archaeology
Riverside shipwreck
St. Lawrence River shipwrecks
Great Lakes maritime history
Abandoned vessels
Hill Island diving sites
Wooden-hulled propeller vessels
Maritime archaeology
Historical shipwreck exploration
Great Lakes ships
