The ST. LAWRENCE, a propeller vessel built in 1848, holds a significant place in maritime history. Constructed in Oswego, New York, it was made of wood and had a single deck. The builder responsible for its creation was George S. Weeks, and its original owner was M.W. Browne from Hamilton, Ontario.
Measuring 125.3 feet in length, 25.4 feet in beam, and 10.6 feet in depth, the ST. LAWRENCE had a tonnage of 336.115 using the old measurement system. It had a capacity of 11,000 bushels. Initially, the vessel was enrolled in Oswego, New York, on June 30, 1848, and engaged in the grain trade between Oswego and Chicago.
Throughout its history, the ST. LAWRENCE went through various changes in ownership and encountered several noteworthy incidents. In August 1850, ownership transferred to Moses & E.G. Merrick of Oswego. On September 12, 1851, the vessel collided with the brig PILGRIM in the Detroit River. In December 1852, it was sold to Canadian owners and given the Canadian registration number C33474, with new dimensions of 147 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth, weighing 290 tons.
The vessel faced challenging situations such as running aground and becoming waterlogged at the mouth of the Niagara River in September 1855 while carrying wheat, flour, and pork. It underwent significant repairs in 1857 under the ownership of Hooker, Jacques & Company of Montreal. In May 1858, it sustained damage while navigating the rapids on the St. Lawrence River. Further repairs were carried out in 1863 when it was owned by Jacques, Tracy & Company of Montreal.
The ST. LAWRENCE continued its voyages, running between Montreal and Chicago in 1865. However, on July 5, 1867, it sank in the St. Lawrence River. It was refloated and resumed operations, transporting grain from Toledo to Montreal in 1870. Various incidents followed, including the need for new stanchions and bulwarks in 1871 and a broken piston near Main Ducks in 1872.
Sadly, the vessel met its final fate on October 19, 1873, when it caught fire in the Edwardsburg Canal near lock 26. Another significant event occurred on August 27, 1878, when it was holed near Point Pelee but was towed to Malden. However, its ultimate demise came on October 19, 1878, when the hull burned near Cardinal. The ST. LAWRENCE had a long and eventful history, contributing to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region.
