IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Maggie Bell was a wooden sidewheel steamship constructed in 1874 in Hull, Quebec, by A. Miller. The vessel was equipped with sidewheels for propulsion, a common design for steamships of that era, particularly those operating on rivers and canals. With a gross tonnage of 372 tons and dimensions of 133 feet in length, 24 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth (after a rebuild in 1890), the Maggie Bell was designed to serve as a towboat, likely tasked with towing barges and assisting other vessels in navigating the waterways.
HISTORY: #
The Maggie Bell began its service under the ownership of the Ottawa & Rideau Forwarding Co. in 1874, shortly after its construction and launch on May 11, 1874. The steamship played a crucial role in the transportation network of the region, particularly in the Ottawa and Rideau Canal areas. Towboats like the Maggie Bell were essential for moving goods and vessels along rivers and canals, making them a vital part of the maritime infrastructure.
In 1875, ownership of the Maggie Bell transferred to D. S. Eastwood in Ottawa, indicating the vessel’s continued importance in the region. By 1882, the vessel was owned by J. G. Ross in Quebec, who retained ownership until at least 1886. The changes in ownership reflect the vessel’s adaptability and value to different operators over time.
In 1890, the Maggie Bell underwent a significant rebuild, which likely included modifications or enhancements to its structure and equipment. The rebuild resulted in the vessel retaining its original official number, 71192, while potentially extending its operational life and improving its performance as a towboat.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The final disposition of the Maggie Bell is recorded as “Removed From Register – Broken Up.” This indicates that the vessel was officially removed from the maritime register and subsequently dismantled or scrapped. The process of breaking up the vessel likely involved salvaging usable materials and disposing of the remaining structure, marking the end of the Maggie Bell‘s service life.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Maggie Bell 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.
- Ottawa Historical Archives: For further research into the history of steamships like the Maggie Bell and their impact on regional maritime activities.
CONCLUSION: #
The Maggie Bell was a significant vessel in the maritime history of Quebec and Ontario, serving as a towboat from its construction in 1874 until its dismantlement. Its role in towing operations and its adaptability through ownership changes and a significant rebuild highlight the vessel’s importance in the region’s transportation network. The ultimate breaking up of the Maggie Bell marks the end of its contributions to the maritime industry, but its legacy remains a part of the rich tapestry of Canadian maritime history.
KEYWORDS: #
Maggie Bell, Sidewheel Steamship, Hull Quebec, Ottawa Ontario, Screw-Propelled Vessel, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, towboat, Ottawa & Rideau Forwarding Co., J. G. Ross, D. S. Eastwood.
