IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Silverland was a steamboat designed to serve as a vital link in the transportation network of Lake Temiskaming and its surrounding areas. With its robust construction and efficient screw propulsion system, it was well-suited to carry passengers and cargo across the lake, connecting communities and facilitating trade. The steamboat’s moderate size allowed it to navigate the lake’s waters with ease, making it an indispensable asset to the region’s maritime activities.
HISTORY: #
Constructed in 1909 in Haileybury, Ontario, the Silverland quickly became a key player in the region’s transportation infrastructure. Initially owned by the Haileybury Navigation Co., the vessel served the communities around Lake Temiskaming, ensuring that people and goods could move efficiently between settlements. The Silverland changed ownership several times throughout its operational life: it was owned by the Temiskaming Navigation Co. from 1911 to 1916 and by the Ville Marie Navigation Co. from 1917 to 1926. In its final year, ownership passed to J. Cunningham in Kipawa, Quebec, marking the last chapter in the Silverland’s service.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On July 5, 1927, the Silverland met a tragic end when a fire broke out aboard the vessel while it was in Kipawa, Quebec. The flames quickly consumed the steamboat, leaving only charred remnants behind. The fire effectively ended the Silverland’s storied career on Lake Temiskaming, and its remains now lie in Kipawa, serving as a poignant reminder of the vessel’s importance to the region and the sudden end it faced.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the Silverland wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Discovery: The wreckage of the Silverland has not been formally located or documented in underwater exploration efforts. Its final resting place is known to be in Kipawa, Quebec, where the remains are believed to be situated.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
PICTURES: #
(Include any available images related to Lake Temiskaming or similar vessels from the period, as specific images of the Silverland may not exist.)
KEYWORDS: #
Silverland, Lake Temiskaming, steamboat, shipwreck, Quebec, Kipawa, Haileybury, 1909, maritime history, fire, transportation network.
CONCLUSION: #
The Silverland played a crucial role in the development and connectivity of the communities around Lake Temiskaming, serving as a lifeline for transportation and trade. Its tragic demise in a fire in 1927 marked the end of an era for the vessel and the region it served. Today, the remnants of the Silverland rest in Kipawa, Quebec, where they stand as a testament to the importance of maritime vessels in shaping the history and economy of the region. The story of the Silverland is a reminder of the vital role these vessels played in the lives of those who depended on them, as well as the risks and challenges they faced in their service.