Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description: #
The BELLA was a large river barge originally built in 1870 under the name CAYUGA. Its design was typical of the period’s wooden barges, featuring a round stern and two masts after a significant rebuild. The vessel underwent several modifications, including a substantial rebuild in 1884-85, during which its length was increased, and it was equipped with a steel keelson, reflecting the evolving needs of the shipping industry on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
History: #
The barge, originally named CAYUGA, was likely first owned by Calvin Co., which often named its vessels after tribes from the Iroquoian group. By 1872, ownership had transferred to the Montreal Transportation Co. Over the years, the BELLA (renamed after John Gaskin’s daughter) became an integral part of the commercial trade network, transporting large quantities of goods such as grain across the waterways. The vessel’s life was marked by periodic repairs and rebuilds, which saw it upgraded and maintained for nearly five decades.
The BELLA’s career included a series of assessments and revaluations, reflecting its changing condition over time. Initially rated highly and valued at $9,400 in 1874, its value fluctuated, reflecting both its aging condition and the necessary repairs it underwent. Despite these efforts, by the early 20th century, the barge’s value had significantly decreased, ultimately leading to its being offered for sale in 1916.
Final Disposition: #
The BELLA’s long service came to an abrupt and tragic end on June 29, 1916, when it foundered off the north end of Canada Island in the Galops Rapids of the St. Lawrence River. The exact circumstances of its sinking are not detailed in historical records, but this event marked the conclusion of a vessel that had been a fixture on the river for over 40 years.
Resources & Links: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database
- Great Lakes Ships Database
Keywords: #
BELLA, CAYUGA, River Barge, St. Lawrence River, Galops Rapids, John Gaskin, Montreal Transportation Co., Henry Roney, Wooden Barge, 19th Century Shipwreck.
Analysis: #
The BELLA’s history offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a working river barge in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel’s multiple rebuilds and lengthy service life illustrate the economic importance of such barges to the transportation networks of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. However, the BELLA’s ultimate demise also underscores the perils these vessels faced, from wear and tear to the natural dangers posed by the river itself. Today, the BELLA remains a part of the rich maritime history of the region, remembered for its years of service and its final, tragic voyage.
