Conqueror (also known as Conqueror No. 1)

Conqueror (also known as Conqueror No. 1) #

Year of Build: 1865
Official Number: 52630
Built at: Renfrew, Scotland
Propulsion: Sidewheel
Tonnage (gross): 199 tons
Length: 137 feet
Beam: 20 feet
Depth: 12 feet

Construction and Ownership

The Conqueror was a sidewheel steamer built in 1865 by Wm. Symons & Co. in Renfrew, Scotland. It was constructed primarily as a towboat, designed to operate in the waters below Quebec and later on Lake Ontario. With a length of 137 feet, a beam of 20 feet, and a depth of 12 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 199 tons, making it a capable towboat for its time.

The Conqueror was originally owned by J. G. Ross of Quebec, who retained ownership until 1886, at which point it was transferred to F. Ross, also based in Quebec.

Operational History

The Conqueror was primarily used as a towboat in the early years of its operation, plying the waters below Quebec and facilitating the movement of goods and other vessels along the St. Lawrence River. By the 1880s, the vessel was relocated to Lake Ontario, where it continued its towboat duties.

Notable Incidents: #

1. Sinking at Wells Island (1883):
   On May 3, 1883, the Conqueror sank near Wells Island in the St. Lawrence River. The circumstances around this sinking are not well-documented, but the vessel was refloated shortly after the incident, indicating that the damage was not severe enough to render it permanently unserviceable.
2. Snowstorm Wreck (November 1883):
   Later that same year, on November 1, 1883, the Conqueror faced disaster once again. While embarking on its first trip following the earlier wreck, the vessel was caught in a snowstorm near Clayton, New York, and was wrecked. Despite the harsh conditions and extensive damage, the Conqueror was salvaged and brought to Kingston for reconditioning.
3. Reconditioning in Kingston (1884):
   The vessel underwent significant repairs in Kingston, with the job completed by August 1884. However, after this reconditioning, the Conqueror was laid up at Garden Island and never returned to active service.
4. Sinking at Garden Island (Winter of 1884-1885):
   During the winter following its repairs, the Conqueror sank once again while laid up at Garden Island. The vessel remained on the bottom until it was raised in October 1885. Given its poor condition and history of sinking, the Conqueror was likely scuttled after this final salvage operation, ending its troubled career.

Legacy and Final Fate

The Conqueror had a turbulent operational life, marked by multiple sinkings and salvage attempts. After its final sinking in 1884 and subsequent re-floating in 1885, the vessel was probably scuttled, ending its brief but dramatic time on the waters of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

The Conqueror represents a classic example of the sidewheel steamer era, where vessels were tasked with essential towing and transport duties but faced the harsh and often unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Despite the vessel’s repeated reconditioning and salvage efforts, its multiple wrecks and eventual scuttling underscore the challenges of navigating and maintaining steam-powered vessels in the 19th century.

The vessel, often referred to as “Conqueror No. 1”, is now remembered as part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, where ships like it played critical roles in the development of regional trade and transportation, even as they struggled against the elements.

Summary of Key Events #

• 1865: Built in Renfrew, Scotland by Wm. Symons & Co. for use as a towboat.
• 1883 (May 3): Sank near Wells Island in the St. Lawrence River; refloated.
• 1883 (November 1): Wrecked in a snowstorm near Clayton, New York, during its first trip after being refloated.
• 1884: Reconditioned in Kingston, but laid up at Garden Island and not used again.
• Winter of 1884-1885: Sank at Garden Island, raised in October 1885, and likely scuttled.

The Conqueror’s story highlights the difficulties faced by vessels operating in harsh environments and provides a glimpse into the challenges of maintaining maritime operations in the 19th century.