Identification and Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The CITY OF TORONTO was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer constructed in 1864 under the supervision of the renowned shipbuilder Louis Shickluna in Niagara, Ontario. The vessel, with a length of 207 feet, a beam of 20 feet, and a depth of 12 feet, was a substantial presence on Lake Ontario, boasting a gross tonnage of 898 and a net tonnage of 513. The steamer featured a single mast and was powered by a vertical beam (walking beam) engine producing 250 horsepower, which drove two large 28-foot sidewheels.
The sidewheels were sourced from the vessel ZIMMERMAN (1854) and were provided by Macklem Iron Works in Chippewa, Ontario. The CITY OF TORONTO was designed for both passenger and cargo service, operating primarily on the Toronto-Niagara route.
History #
The CITY OF TORONTO served as a critical transportation link between major ports on Lake Ontario during its operational years. Initially owned by Duncan Milloy of Toronto, the vessel changed ownership multiple times and underwent several modifications and repairs throughout its life.
In 1883, the vessel was taken to Muir Bros. shipyard in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, for extensive reconstruction. This included removing the sidewheels to allow the vessel to pass through the Welland Canal, which was a crucial part of the region’s transportation network.
However, on October 31, 1883, tragedy struck. A fire broke out at the shipyard, quickly spreading to the CITY OF TORONTO. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the vessel was completely destroyed, leaving nothing but ashes and charred remnants. The fire marked the end of the CITY OF TORONTO, which had served the maritime industry for nearly two decades.
Analysis #
The destruction of the CITY OF TORONTO is a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by maritime vessels, even those on land undergoing repairs. Fires in shipyards were not uncommon, and wooden vessels like the CITY OF TORONTO were particularly susceptible to such disasters. The loss of this steamer highlights the challenges of maintaining and preserving wooden vessels in the 19th century, especially during periods of extensive reconstruction.
The vessel’s history also underscores the importance of the Toronto-Niagara route during this period, as well as the technological advancements of the time, such as the use of sidewheels and walking beam engines. The CITY OF TORONTO‘s demise at Muir Bros. shipyard in Port Dalhousie marked the end of an era for a vessel that had once been a symbol of progress and connectivity on Lake Ontario.
Resources & Links #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Louis Shickluna: Master Shipbuilder
Tags #
- Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer
- Location: Lake Ontario, Port Dalhousie
- Loss Type: Fire
- Historical Significance: 19th Century Maritime Transportation
- Construction: Wooden Hull
The CITY OF TORONTO‘s story is a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, serving as a reminder of the technological advancements of the era and the ever-present risks faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes.
