Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The Arctic was a wooden-hulled steambarge, a type of vessel commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes and other inland waterways. Steambarges like the Arctic were typically equipped with steam engines and a single screw propeller, making them efficient for their size and purpose. The vessel’s single deck and one mast design were typical for steambarges of that era, providing a balance between cargo capacity and maneuverability.
History The Arctic was constructed in 1893 on Grindstone Island, New York, by or for Elizabeth and William Slate. The vessel was powered by a non-condensing steam engine, built in 1888 in the United States, which provided 48 horsepower. This engine, combined with the vessel’s wooden hull and single screw propeller, made the Arctic a reliable workhorse for the transportation of goods.
The Arctic went through several ownership changes during its operational life:
- 1894: Owned by Daniel Springer of Alexandria Bay, NY.
- 1896: Ownership transferred to William A. Webster of South Hammond, NY.
- 1898: Wells A. Dygert of NY and Kate Hemans(?) of Sacketts Harbor, NY became the owners.
- 1899: The vessel was owned by Heyman et al of Clayton, NY.
In 1901, the Arctic was purchased by William and Agnes Britnell of Toronto, Ontario. During this period, the vessel underwent modifications that slightly increased its dimensions and tonnage. It was re-registered in Canada with the official number C94930, reflecting its new status under Canadian ownership.
In March 1902, William G. Mackendrick of Toronto acquired the Arctic, and by March 26, 1902, it was owned by the Toronto Sand & Dredging Co. Ltd., indicating that the vessel was likely used in the dredging industry, a common practice in Canadian waters during that time.
The final ownership change occurred on January 4, 1904, when The Rathbun Co. of Deseronto, Ontario, purchased the vessel. The Arctic continued to serve in a commercial capacity until 1915, when it was abandoned and broken up in Deseronto, Ontario, located in the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario. The vessel’s registration was officially closed in 1944, marking the end of its existence.
Final Disposition The Arctic was abandoned and broken up in 1915 in Deseronto, Ontario. The vessel had served for over two decades in various capacities, from cargo transportation to potential dredging operations, reflecting the versatile roles that steambarges played in the Great Lakes region. The closing of its registration in 1944 officially marked its removal from maritime records.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Arctic, as the vessel was dismantled and removed from service long before modern maritime documentation practices were in place.
Located By & Date The Arctic was dismantled in Deseronto, Ontario, in 1915, and no remains are known to exist.
Current Condition & Accessibility Since the Arctic was broken up, there are no remaining parts of the vessel accessible for exploration. The site where it was dismantled, Deseronto, has historical significance, but no physical remnants of the vessel are likely to be found.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the Arctic.
Keywords Arctic, steambarge, Grindstone Island, Deseronto, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, abandonment, maritime history, Great Lakes
Analysis The Arctic is representative of the many small steambarges that played critical roles in the commercial and industrial activities of the Great Lakes region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1893 and modified throughout its life, the vessel’s history of frequent ownership changes and eventual dismantling in 1915 reflects the challenges and economic realities faced by maritime operators during that era. The closure of its registry in 1944 brings a formal end to its operational story, but the Arctic remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region.
