FOREST QUEEN (pre-1874)

3 min read

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

Vessel Name: Forest Queen
Type: Sidewheel Steamboat (later Tugboat)
Builder: Constructed in Pembroke, Ontario
Year Built: Date not specified
Dimensions: Length: 142 feet
Initial Purpose: Passenger transportation
Later Purpose: Tugboat
Final Incident: Destroyed by fire

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Forest Queen was a 142-foot sidewheel steamboat built in Pembroke, Ontario. Initially, it served as a passenger vessel, providing transportation services in the region. Sidewheel steamboats were commonly used during this era for their ability to navigate shallow waters and transport passengers and goods efficiently. Later in its operational life, the Forest Queen transitioned into a tugboat, reflecting a shift in its utility within the maritime industry.

HISTORY #

The Forest Queen was constructed in Pembroke, Ontario, where it began its service as a passenger vessel, contributing to the transportation needs of the local community. Steamboats like the Forest Queen played a vital role in the development of towns along the waterways, facilitating trade, travel, and communication.

At some point in its operational history, the Forest Queen was repurposed as a tugboat, a common transition for steamboats as the demand for passenger services waned and the need for industrial utility increased. This shift allowed the vessel to continue serving the region’s maritime industry, particularly in towing and supporting other vessels.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

On May 30, 1874, the Forest Queen met a tragic end when a fire broke out while it was in Allumette Lake, near Cushing Island. The fire quickly consumed the vessel, burning it down to the water’s edge. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the incident resulted in the total loss of the steamboat.

Tragically, the fire also claimed the life of Miss Maggie Cavanagh, the cook aboard the Forest Queen. The details surrounding the circumstances of her death and the fire itself were not fully documented, leaving many questions unanswered.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact location of the remains of the Forest Queen has not been specified, and it is unclear whether any efforts were made to salvage or document the wreckage after the fire.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

Obstructions: No specific obstructions related to the wreck of the Forest Queen are noted in navigational charts.
Marking: The site where the Forest Queen burned is not marked on current maps, as the vessel was destroyed and not submerged.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

For more information on the Forest Queen and similar vessels, the following resources may be useful:

Conclusion #

The story of the Forest Queen is a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Pembroke, Ontario. From its beginnings as a passenger steamboat to its later role as a tugboat, the vessel was a vital part of the region’s transportation network. The tragic fire that led to its destruction, and the loss of Miss Maggie Cavanagh, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who worked on the waterways during that era. The legacy of the Forest Queen remains a part of the rich history of steamboating in the Great Lakes region.

Keywords: