IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL DESCRIPTION #
The Huron was a wooden barge built in 1881 at Garden Island, Ontario, by Henry Rooney. It was originally owned by D.D. Calvin & Co. of Kingston, Ontario, a company well-known in the region’s timber and transportation industries. The vessel had the following specifications:
- Length: 160.4 feet
- Beam: 30 feet
- Depth: 12 feet
- Net Tonnage: 275 tons
- Official Number: 80873
The Huron (C80873) was a Canadian vessel registered under this official number, indicative of its operation in the busy waters of the Great Lakes or St. Lawrence River during its time of service. While detailed specifics about the Huron‘s design and service life might not be immediately available, the fact that it had a Canadian registration number signifies that it was actively involved in the country’s maritime industry, likely during the late 19th or early 20th centuries.
Historical Context of the Huron (C80873) #
Ships like the Huron were generally engaged in the transport of goods or passengers across Canada’s extensive waterways, contributing to the bustling commercial activity that characterized the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. During this time, Canadian-registered vessels were integral to moving resources such as grain, timber, coal, and manufactured goods between cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Kingston, as well as to smaller ports along the way. The vessel could have been built for commercial purposes or even government use, such as in ferrying goods to remote communities or contributing to local infrastructure projects.
Possible End and Wreck Site #
Like many vessels of its time, the Huron may have met its fate through natural disasters, human error, or other challenges commonly faced by mariners navigating the often treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes or St. Lawrence River. These waters were known for unpredictable weather, strong currents, and underwater hazards such as shoals and reefs, which claimed numerous vessels during the age of wooden and early steel ships.
Although no direct information is readily available about the specific sinking or wreck of the Huron (C80873), it’s plausible that the vessel now rests at the bottom of one of these waterways, becoming part of the region’s vast underwater heritage. Many of these sunken ships are now popular dive sites, offering explorers a glimpse into the past and the challenges faced by vessels in this region.
Research and Diving Opportunities #
For maritime historians and diving enthusiasts, the wreck of the Huron (if it is located) could offer significant insights into shipbuilding techniques and navigation challenges of the time. Ships from this era were typically constructed using wooden frames, with later versions incorporating iron or steel reinforcements as technology advanced. Diving on such wrecks provides valuable opportunities to study the ship’s construction, operational history, and the types of cargo it might have transported.
If you’re interested in further researching the Huron (C80873), maritime archives such as the National Archives of Canada or local historical societies around the Great Lakes region might hold detailed records of the vessel’s construction, ownership, and eventual fate. For divers, the wreck (if identified) would offer a fascinating exploration into Canada’s maritime legacy
Final Disposition #
The Huron was a total loss following the collision on August 31, 1912. The wreck of the Huron remains underwater near Morrisburg, Ontario, a silent witness to the challenges of maritime transportation in the early 20th century.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource detailing shipwrecks and maritime events in the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Provides detailed records of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
Huron, Wooden Barge, St. Lawrence River, Shipwreck, Collision, Morrisburg Ontario, Maritime History.
Conclusion #
The story of the Huron is one that reflects the perils of early 20th-century maritime trade on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The vessel’s sinking is particularly significant because it highlights the dangers of navigating busy waterways with limited technological support, which often led to collisions and other maritime disasters. The Huron‘s involvement in a collision that led to its sinking serves as a case study in the risks that were inherent in the shipping industry during this period.
