The Calumet, a sidewheel steamer, was constructed in 1862 at Bryson, Quebec. Unfortunately, specific dimensions of the vessel are not available. Initially owned by Cummings & Co. of Aylmer, Quebec, it was later acquired by the Union Forwarding Co. in 1868.
Built by A. Cantin at Bryson, also known as Havelock or the “Head of Calumet Rapids,” the Calumet was launched on May 3, 1862. It served the transportation needs of the region, navigating the waterways with its sidewheel propulsion.
Tragically, on April 13, 1869, the Calumet was engulfed in a devastating fire at Bryson. The fire ravaged the vessel, leading to its complete destruction. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. This event marked the final chapter in the history of the Calumet, as it met its untimely end in the waters of Bryson, Quebec.
The loss of the Calumet was undoubtedly a significant blow to the transportation network of the region. The destruction of the vessel highlighted the risks faced by steamers during that era, as fire posed a constant threat to these wooden structures. The Calumet’s unfortunate fate serves as a reminder of the challenges and dangers that accompanied the operation of steamers in the 19th century.
