JASON GOULD (1863)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

Vessel Name: Jason Gould
Type: Sidewheel Steamboat
Year Built: 1863
Builder: Constructed in Cobden, Ontario
Dimensions: Length: 89 feet; Beam: 15 feet; Depth: 4 feet
Owner: Union Forwarding & Railway Co.
Location: Muskrat Lake, near Pembroke, Ontario
Coordinates: Specific coordinates not provided, but the vessel is located in Muskrat Lake.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Jason Gould was a sidewheel steamboat, a common type of vessel during the mid-19th century, known for its large paddle wheels mounted on the sides for propulsion. Measuring 89 feet in length with a beam of 15 feet and a depth of 4 feet, the Jason Gould was designed to navigate the waters of Muskrat Lake, providing essential transportation services between Cobden and a point approximately 2 miles from Pembroke.

HISTORY #

The Jason Gould was built in 1863 in Cobden, Ontario, during a period when the expansion of transportation networks was crucial for the development of regional economies. The vessel was initially owned by the Union Forwarding & Railway Co., a company that played a significant role in the transportation of goods and passengers in the area.

The vessel operated on Muskrat Lake, a body of water known for its role in connecting communities in the Ottawa Valley. The Jason Gould provided a vital link between Cobden and an area close to Pembroke, facilitating the movement of people and goods in a region that was still developing its infrastructure.

Unfortunately, the Jason Gould’s service was cut short by a tragic incident. On May 10, 1875, the vessel sank in Muskrat Lake, near Pembroke. The exact circumstances leading to the sinking are unclear, leaving many questions about what caused the vessel to be lost. This event marked the end of the Jason Gould’s operational life and represented a significant loss to the local maritime transportation system.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Jason Gould sank in Muskrat Lake on May 10, 1875. The wreck was located on July 1, 1985, in the Muskrat River. The vessel remains submerged, and the exact reasons for its sinking have not been fully documented.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

Location: Muskrat Lake, near Pembroke, Ontario
Date Located: July 1, 1985

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

Obstructions: The wreck of the Jason Gould lies submerged in Muskrat Lake. Navigational charts of the area may not specifically mark the site, but caution is advised for vessels operating in the region.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

For additional information on the Jason Gould and similar vessels, the following resources may be useful:

Conclusion #

The loss of the Jason Gould in 1875 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by early vessels navigating the waters of Muskrat Lake. As a key part of the local transportation network, the sinking of the Jason Gould would have had significant repercussions for the communities it served, disrupting the movement of goods and passengers. The discovery of the wreck in 1985 offers a tangible connection to the region’s maritime past and a reminder of the challenges of early lake navigation.

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