Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Argyle (Glengarry)

Explore the history of the Argyle, a versatile vessel transformed from a screw steamer to a steam barge, with a rich service history on the Great Lakes.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: ARGYLE (renamed GLENGARRY in 1886)
  • Type: Screw Steamer (later rebuilt as a steam barge)
  • Year Built: 1872
  • Builder: L. Shickluna
  • Dimensions: Original Length: 135 ft (41.1 m); Beam: 23 ft (7 m); Depth: 7 ft (2.1 m); Rebuild Length: 170 ft (51.8 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth: 11 ft (3.4 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 494 gross tons (original); 626 gross tons (rebuild)
  • Location: Michipicoten, Lake Superior
  • Official Number: 90537
  • Original Owners: J. E. Graham, R. McLellan, Montreal Transportation Co, A. Lomer, J. Richardson & Sons

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ARGYLE, later renamed GLENGARRY, was a screw steamer initially built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.

Description

The ARGYLE was constructed in 1872 in St. Catharines, Ontario, by shipbuilder L. Shickluna. Originally designed as a screw steamer, it underwent significant modifications, including a rebuild in 1886 that transformed it into a steam barge, reflecting the evolving needs of maritime commerce.

History

The vessel had a varied ownership history, starting with J. E. Graham in 1877, followed by R. McLellan in 1884, and later the Montreal Transportation Co in 1885. It served primarily between Montreal and the Upper Lakes, adapting to changes in shipping demands through multiple rebuilds and engine upgrades.

Significant Incidents

  • May 5, 1884: The ARGYLE was wrecked at Michipicoten on Lake Superior and was scuttled to save the vessel.
  • 1886: Following the wreck, the vessel was extensively rebuilt in Kingston and renamed GLENGARRY.

Final Disposition

The ARGYLE, later GLENGARRY, continued to operate under various owners until the early 20th century. Its final status remains unspecified, but its extensive history of rebuilds indicates it remained in use beyond its original service life.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is not detailed, but it is recognized for its historical significance in Great Lakes shipping.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”argyle-glengarry” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The story of the ARGYLE, later GLENGARRY, exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes vessels. Its journey through wreck, rebuild, and continued service highlights the dynamic nature of maritime operations in the region.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Identification

  • Vessel Name: ARGYLE (renamed GLENGARRY in 1886)
  • Year Built: 1872
  • •Official Number: 90537
  • Type: Screw Steamer (later rebuilt as a steam barge)

Construction and Ownership

  • Built at: St. Catharines, Ontario
  • Builder: L. Shickluna
  • Original Engine: 36×30 by G. N. Oill, St. Catharines
  • Later Engine: 21-34×32 by G. N. Oill
  • Hull Dimensions
    Original Dimensions: Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters) Beam: 23 feet (7 meters) Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters) Tonnage: 494 gross tons
    Rebuild (1886): Length: 170 feet (51.8 meters) Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters) Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters) Tonnage: 626 gross tons

History

The ARGYLE, later renamed GLENGARRY, was a versatile vessel built in 1872 in St. Catharines, Ontario, by renowned shipbuilder L. Shickluna. Initially a screw steamer, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds during its service life to adapt to changing shipping needs.

Ownership Timeline:

  • 1877, 1881: Owned by J. E. Graham, St. Catharines.
  • 1884: Acquired by R. McLellan.
  • 1885: Transferred to Montreal Transportation Co.
  • 1907: Owned by A. Lomer, Montreal.
  • 1908: J. Richardson & Sons, Kingston.

The vessel operated between Montreal and the Upper Lakes, serving as a cargo steamer before its 1886 rebuild into a steam barge by R. Gaskin in Kingston, Ontario. It continued to see service in various configurations, with further engine upgrades and adaptations.

Significant Incidents

May 5, 1884: The ARGYLE was wrecked at Michipicoten on Lake Superior. It was scuttled to save the vessel, demonstrating its resilience and the value placed on its recovery.

1886: After the wrecking incident, the vessel was extensively rebuilt in Kingston and renamed GLENGARRY. It resumed operations as a steam barge, reflecting its continued utility in Great Lakes commerce.

Final Disposition

The ARGYLE, later GLENGARRY, continued to operate under various owners until the early 20th century. Its final status is not specified, though its extensive history of rebuilds suggests it remained in use well beyond its original service life.

Significance

The history of the ARGYLE illustrates the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels in the face of changing economic demands and technological advancements. Its multiple rebuilds and ownership transfers underscore the importance of resourcefulness in maritime commerce, particularly in the competitive shipping lanes of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Resources & Contact

Tags #Great Lakes Shipwrecks #Steam Barge #Montreal-Upper Lakes Route #19th-Century Rebuilds #Michipicoten Incident

Conclusion

The ARGYLE, later GLENGARRY, represents the ingenuity and resilience of Great Lakes shipping. Despite setbacks, including its wrecking in 1884, the vessel was salvaged, rebuilt, and continued to serve for decades. Its story highlights the dynamic and often perilous nature of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, as well as the determination to sustain valuable vessels through innovation and adaptability.

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