IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Atlas, initially built as a night steamer in 1872 at Carillon, Quebec, was a wooden vessel designed to provide nighttime transportation services along the Ottawa River. The vessel was originally 142 feet long with a gross tonnage of 527 tons after its significant overhaul in 1899, which included modifications to its propulsion system and overall dimensions. The Atlas was equipped with a powerful 32×96 steam engine, which was salvaged from an earlier vessel bearing the same name, showcasing the reuse of valuable machinery during this era.
HISTORY: #
The Atlas was launched on May 4, 1872, by its builder P. Girard in Carillon, Quebec. Initially owned by the Ottawa River Navigation Company, the vessel began its service as a night steamer, operating between Lachine and Carillon. This role was essential in providing overnight transportation for passengers traveling along the Ottawa River, a critical route for commerce and travel during the late 19th century.
In 1880, the Atlas underwent a significant transformation in its role, transitioning from a night steamer to a market boat. This new role involved transporting produce, animals, and other goods between Point Fortune and Lachine, catering to the needs of local markets and contributing to the region’s agricultural economy. The vessel’s ability to carry up to 443 passengers by 1886 highlights its capacity and importance in regional trade and transportation.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Atlas continued to serve the Ottawa River region for several decades until it was last used in 1913. Unfortunately, the vessel’s service ended tragically in 1914 when it was damaged by a fire. The fire rendered the Atlas no longer operational, leading to its abandonment. The vessel’s final resting place was a bay near the present-day Carillon dam, where it was left to deteriorate over time.
The Atlas‘s history reflects the evolution of transportation needs along the Ottawa River, transitioning from a passenger steamer to a vital market boat, before meeting its end due to fire damage.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Atlas 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.
- Quebec Historical Archives: For further research into the history of steamboats like the Atlas and their role in regional maritime activities.
CONCLUSION: #
The Atlas, later renamed Princess, was a significant vessel that played a versatile role in the maritime history of the Ottawa River. From its early days as a night steamer to its later function as a market boat, the Atlas adapted to the changing needs of the region, supporting both transportation and trade. Despite its tragic end in 1914 due to fire damage, the Atlas remains a testament to the vital role steamboats played in the development of commerce and community along the Ottawa River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
KEYWORDS: #
Atlas, Princess, Steamboat, Carillon Quebec, Ottawa River, Night Steamer, Market Boat, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, P. Girard, Ottawa River Navigation Company, G. Brush Engine, Carillon dam.
