ONONDAGA C80913

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IDENTIFICATION AND SITE INFORMATION #

Vessel Name: ONONDAGA
Type: River Barge
Build Location: Garden Island, Ontario, Canada
Year Built: 1870
Builder: Henry Roney
Dimensions:
- Length: 136.9 feet (41.7 meters)
  Tonnage:
- Gross: 364.01 tons
- Register: 320 tons
  Hull Material: Wood
  Number of Decks: 1
  Stern Type: Round Stern
  Capacity: Up to 20,000 bushels of cargo
  Official Number: Assigned between 1882 and 1883
  Coordinates of Wreck: N 43.84271, W 76.32863
  Depth of Wreck: [Depth in feet and meters]
Ownership History:
- Original Owners: Calvin & Breck
- Subsequent Owners:
  - St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding (1878)
  - Montreal Transportation Co. (1883)
  - George Hall Coal Co. (1884)
  - St. Lawrence & Canada Forwarding Co. (1887-1904)
  - Canadian Towing & Transfer (A. Lemay) of Montreal (Final Ownership)

The ONONDAGA, a river barge with a long and eventful history, was built in 1870 by Henry Roney on Garden Island, Ontario. The barge was constructed with fine craftsmanship, featuring a round stern and measuring 136.9 feet in length. With a gross tonnage of 364.01 and a register tonnage of 320, the ONONDAGA was capable of carrying up to 20,000 bushels of cargo, making it a significant vessel for transporting goods across the waterways of the Great Lakes.

Throughout its operational life, the ONONDAGA underwent several ownership transitions and experienced various events that shaped its maritime legacy. Initially owned by Calvin & Breck, the barge faced challenges early on, such as running aground on the Galoo Island Shoal in Lake Ontario while being towed by the American tug W.M. GARDNER in 1876.

In 1878, the ONONDAGA became part of St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding and later was involved in an incident in 1880 when the steamer BOHEMIAN broke the gate of Lock Two in the Lachine Canal. This event led to a period of rebuilding for the barge, which eventually received an official number between 1882 and 1883.

The Montreal Transportation Co. acquired the ONONDAGA in 1883, and the barge found new purpose when it was chartered to the George Hall Coal Co. of Prescott, Ontario, in 1884. The barge fulfilled a coal contract between Oswego, New York, and Montreal, before being purchased outright by George Hall Coal Co.

From 1887 to 1904, the ONONDAGA was owned by the St. Lawrence & Canada Forwarding Co. of Prescott under the ownership of R. McCarthy. The barge continued its service until tragedy struck on November 5, 1907. The ONONDAGAfoundered off Stoney Point in Lake Ontario while carrying a load of coal, resulting in the loss of the vessel. The ONONDAGA was under the ownership of Canadian Towing & Transfer (A. Lemay) of Montreal at the time of its sinking.

The registry of the ONONDAGA was officially closed on January 9, 1908, marking the end of an era for this storied vessel.