IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Mattawan was a screw-propelled steamer, specifically designed to navigate the challenging rapids of the Mattawa River. Its relatively small size and sturdy construction made it uniquely capable of traversing these waters, allowing it to serve as a vital link between Mattawa and Deux Rivières. The vessel’s ability to handle difficult rapids distinguished it as the only steamer of its kind on this route.
HISTORY: #
Constructed in 1876 at Portsmouth, Ontario, the Mattawan was initially owned by B.I. Mulligan of Mattawa, Quebec. The vessel quickly became an essential part of the local transportation network, facilitating trade and movement along the Mattawa River. The Mattawan’s unique ability to navigate the river’s rapids made it a crucial asset for the region’s connectivity.
In 1882, the Mattawan was relocated to Lake Temiskaming, where it achieved the distinction of being the first steamer to sail on the lake. This relocation marked a significant expansion of its role, as it opened up new possibilities for transportation and development in the Lake Temiskaming area. However, in 1886, the vessel was brought back to the Mattawa River, resuming its original route and continuing its service in the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Mattawan met a tragic end when it was consumed by fire near Mattawa, just above Explorer’s Point, sometime after 1889. The exact date of the incident remains unknown, but the vessel’s last recorded appearance in official records was on July 4, 1889. The fire marked the end of the Mattawan’s active life, sealing its fate as one of the pioneering vessels of its time.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the Mattawan wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Discovery: The location of the Mattawan’s final resting place is known to be near Mattawa, Ontario, but specific details regarding underwater exploration or salvage efforts are not available.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
PICTURES: #
(Include any available historical images or illustrations of similar vessels or the Mattawa River region where the Mattawan operated.)
KEYWORDS: #
Mattawan, Mattawa River, Lake Temiskaming, Portsmouth Ontario, screw-propelled steamer, B.I. Mulligan, Explorer’s Point, shipwreck, maritime history.
CONCLUSION: #
The Mattawan holds a significant place in the history of the Mattawa River and Lake Temiskaming. As a pioneering vessel, it was the only steamer capable of navigating the river’s challenging rapids, facilitating trade and connectivity in the region. The Mattawan’s relocation to Lake Temiskaming marked a milestone in the area’s development, and its eventual return to the Mattawa River continued its legacy of service. Although the Mattawan was ultimately destroyed by fire, its contributions to the region’s early transportation history remain an important chapter in Canada’s maritime heritage.
