The Hamilton, a sidewheel steamboat, was constructed in 1896 at Sand Point, Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 320, it served as one of the last steamboats on the Ottawa River. Its primary role was towing log booms between Chenaux and Chats Falls, contributing to the region’s timber industry.
Over the years, the Hamilton underwent changes and rebuilds to ensure its continued service. In 1921, it underwent a significant rebuild, resulting in new dimensions of 118 feet in length, 24 feet in width, and a tonnage of 344. This rebuild aimed to enhance the steamboat’s performance and adapt it to evolving needs.
After several decades of operation, the Hamilton was eventually sold in 1949. However, instead of being completely retired, its bare hull found a new purpose. It was deliberately sunk at Castleford and used as an anchor for a glance boom—a structure used in logging operations to contain floating logs.
The Hamilton’s history reflects the vital role that steamboats played in the transportation and industry of the Ottawa River region. As one of the last steamboats operating in the area, it served as a reminder of the bygone era of steam-powered river transportation. Its transformation into an anchor for a glance boom also highlights the adaptability and repurposing of vessels in the maritime industry.
