IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Beaver was an alligator warp tug, a versatile vessel designed for use in both land and water. These types of vessels were unique in their ability to move across land between bodies of water, making them invaluable for logging and transportation in the rugged Canadian wilderness. The Beaver was equipped with a sidewheel propulsion system, a rare feature that allowed it to navigate various waterways efficiently.
HISTORY: #
Constructed in 1899 by Peachey & West in Simcoe, Ontario, the Beaver was owned by A. Lumsden of Ottawa. The vessel was primarily used for towing logs and transportation across the lakes and rivers of Quebec, particularly in the Temiskaming region. Its design allowed it to operate in challenging environments, making it a crucial asset for the local logging industry.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Beaver faced significant challenges throughout its operational life. In 1906, it suffered partial destruction due to a fire, which damaged the vessel severely. Despite this setback, the Beaver continued to serve until September 21, 1907, when it was involved in a tragic train wreck near Kippewa, Quebec. The wreck resulted in the vessel’s final demise, ending its service and marking a significant event in its history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the Beaver wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Discovery: The wreck of the Beaver lies near Kippewa, Quebec. Its location has been documented based on historical records, but no specific underwater exploration has been reported.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
PICTURES: #
(Include any available images of similar alligator warp tugs or historical images of the region.)
KEYWORDS: #
Beaver, alligator warp tug, Lake Temiskaming, shipwreck, Quebec, Kippewa, Peachey & West, 1899, maritime history, sidewheel propulsion, logging industry.
CONCLUSION: #
The Beaver played a pivotal role in the transportation and logging operations in the Temiskaming region of Quebec. Its unique design as an alligator warp tug allowed it to traverse both water and land, making it a versatile and valuable vessel. Despite its eventual demise in a train wreck in 1907, the Beaver’s legacy lives on as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of early 20th-century maritime engineering. The remains of the Beaver, now lying near Kippewa, Quebec, continue to serve as a silent reminder of the vessel’s significant contribution to the region’s history.
