IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Resolute was a wooden screw-propelled steamship constructed in 1875 in Britannia, Ontario, by J. Bedard. With a modest gross tonnage of 36 tons and dimensions of 56 feet in length, 11 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth, the Resolute was a relatively small vessel. It was primarily used as a tug, playing a crucial role in towing operations and assisting other vessels along the waterways of Ontario and Quebec.
HISTORY: #
The Resolute began its service shortly after its construction in 1875, under the ownership of A. G. Jones of Ottawa by 1877. The vessel’s screw-propulsion system, powered by an engine measuring 12×12 and manufactured by Perkins Bros. in Ottawa, made it an efficient and reliable tug for the region’s waterways.
In 1879, the Resolute underwent its first significant rebuild, resulting in modifications that earned it a new official number, though it retained the same number as before—73941. The rebuild likely involved structural enhancements or updates to its equipment, ensuring that the steamship could continue to serve effectively.
The vessel changed ownership several times throughout its operational life. In 1879, the Union Forwarding Co. of Ottawa took ownership of the Resolute, reflecting the vessel’s importance to the region’s transportation and shipping infrastructure. Later, in 1886, ownership passed to W. McCaffrey of Ottawa, indicating the continued utility and value of the Resolute as a working tug.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Resolute faced several challenges during its operational history, including an incident on October 28, 1880, when it sank near Quyon, Quebec. However, the vessel was successfully raised from the water and returned to service.
Tragically, the Resolute met its final demise on July 29, 1890, when it was destroyed by fire at the foot of the canal locks in Ottawa. The specific circumstances of the fire, including its cause, are not detailed in the available historical records. The loss of the Resolute marked the end of its service and contributions to the region’s maritime history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Resolute wreck have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides records and historical accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
- Ottawa Historical Archives: For further research into the history of steamships like the Resolute and their role in regional maritime operations.
CONCLUSION: #
The Resolute stands as a testament to the vital role that small steamships played in the late 19th century, particularly in towing operations and supporting other vessels along the busy waterways of Ontario and Quebec. Despite its modest size, the Resolute was a workhorse of its time, serving multiple owners and undergoing significant rebuilds to extend its service life. The vessel’s ultimate destruction by fire in 1890 brought an end to its operational history, but its legacy endures as part of the rich maritime heritage of the region.
KEYWORDS: #
Resolute, Steamship, Britannia Ontario, Ottawa, Rockland Ontario, Screw-Propelled Vessel, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, tugboat, fire, Quyon Quebec.
