VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Calumet was a wooden sidewheel steamer built in 1862 by A. Cantin at Bryson, Quebec, also known as Havelock or the “Head of Calumet Rapids.” The vessel was designed to navigate the challenging waterways of the region, utilizing its sidewheel propulsion system to transport goods and passengers. Although specific details about its dimensions are unavailable, the Calumet played a crucial role in the local transportation network during its service.
HISTORY: #
Launched on May 3, 1862, the Calumet initially served under the ownership of Cummings & Co. of Aylmer, Quebec. It quickly became an essential part of the region’s transportation infrastructure, providing a reliable means of moving goods and people along the waterways. In 1868, the vessel was acquired by the Union Forwarding Co., a move that likely expanded its operational reach and integrated it further into the regional transportation network.
The Calumet was built in Bryson, a location strategically positioned near the Calumet Rapids, an area that required powerful and sturdy vessels to navigate its waters safely. The vessel’s sidewheel design was well-suited to these conditions, providing the necessary propulsion to manage the strong currents and navigate the river effectively.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
Tragically, the Calumet met its end on April 13, 1869, when a devastating fire broke out while the vessel was docked in Bryson, Quebec. The fire completely destroyed the steamer, leaving no chance for salvage. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but such incidents were not uncommon for wooden steamers of the era, where the combination of wooden construction and steam propulsion created a significant fire hazard.
The loss of the Calumet was a significant blow to the region’s transportation system, as it removed a key vessel from service. The event also underscored the inherent dangers faced by steamers during this period, where fire was a constant and often uncontrollable threat.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Calumet wreck have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides records and historical accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
- C. Patrick Labadie Collection: Source of historical data on the Calumet and other vessels.
CONCLUSION: #
The Calumet’s tragic end in 1869 highlights the precarious nature of steam navigation in the 19th century. The vessel, which served the region for several years, was a crucial component of the local transportation network. Its destruction by fire is a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with operating wooden steamers during this era. The Calumet’s story remains an important chapter in the maritime history of Quebec and the broader Ottawa River region.
KEYWORDS: #
Calumet, Sidewheel Steamer, Bryson Quebec, Cummings & Co., Union Forwarding Co., 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck.
