ISABELLA H U213102

Other Names

• MCCORMICK

Site Description

History

Built in the shipyards of Grand Haven, Michigan, in the year 1887, the ISABELLA H. was originally known by the name MCCORMICK. Crafted from wood and measuring 106 feet in length, 24.7 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth, the steambarge was an engineering marvel of its time. T.W. Kirby, the builder, poured his expertise into creating a vessel that would ferry materials and supplies, filling a niche in the bustling industrial landscape of the late 19th century.

Under the ownership of the McCormick Harvester Machinery Company in Chicago, the steambarge played a crucial role in transporting goods along the Chicago River, bridging the gap between plants and warehouses. However, changing tides of fortune soon led the vessel on a new course.

In 1890, the ISABELLA H. caught the attention of the Western Transit Company based in Buffalo, New York, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The company saw potential in the steambarge’s capabilities and versatility, incorporating it into their operations. The vessel’s journey took it from the Chicago River to the waters of Lake Ontario.

Ownership continued to change hands, and by 1907, Walter J. Metcalf of Cleveland, Ohio, became the custodian of the ISABELLA H. Its role evolved again as it began participating in marine construction endeavors, a testament to its adaptability and resilience.

By 1911, the ISABELLA H.’s active service came to an end, and it was abandoned in Chaumont, New York. However, its story was far from over. Capt. Augustus R. Hinckley recognized the potential for renewal and enlisted the expertise of shipbuilder Frank Phelps. A transformational reconstruction commenced in 1915, leading to a rebirth as the ISABELLA H. The vessel emerged with a new identity and physical attributes, measuring 100.8 feet in length, 25.9 feet in beam, and 11.1 feet in depth. Its gross tonnage increased to 248 tons, reflecting the extensive changes made to the vessel’s structure.

Equipped with a non-condensing steam engine, the ISABELLA H. was ready to embark on a fresh journey, exemplifying the spirit of resilience that defines maritime history.

September 28, 1925, marked a fateful day for the ISABELLA H. and its crew. While en route from Cape Vincent, New York, to Sodus, New York, alongside the vessel HINCKLEY, disaster struck. A fierce storm unleashed its fury upon Lake Ontario, and the ISABELLA H. found itself battling against the elements. Despite the efforts to navigate the tempestuous waters and reach the safety of Oswego Harbor, the vessel succumbed to the forces of nature.

ISABELLA H. foundered less than a mile from the harbor entrance, with seven souls on board. Tragically, one crew member lost their life, while the remainder were rescued by the valiant efforts of the Coast Guard. The vessel’s wooden hull eventually broke apart, marking the end of a storied maritime journey.

The tale of the ISABELLA H. encapsulates the essence of maritime history—of vessels that evolve with the times, adapt to changing needs, and face the challenges of the open waters. From its humble beginnings as the MCCORMICK, serving the Chicago River, to its transformative rebirth as the ISABELLA H., the vessel’s journey reflects the tenacity and spirit of those who manned its decks.

While the ISABELLA H. may have foundered on that fateful day in 1925, its legacy lives on in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history. It stands as a testament to the vessels that shaped the region’s industrial landscape and the stories of resilience that continue to inspire mariners and historians alike.