Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Charlton (ex–Charles Kellogg)
- Type: Screw-Propelled Tug
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: T. Miller
- Dimensions: 120 ft (36.6 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 261 tons
- Location: Unknown
- Official Number: 88622
- Original Owners: International Towing & Wrecking Co. (1885), Boutelle Towing & Wrecking Co. (1895), Victoria Harbour Lumber Co. (1901–1927)
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Screw-Propelled Tug
Description
The Charlton, originally named Charles Kellogg, was a screw-propelled tug built in 1862. It was constructed by T. Miller in Chicago, Illinois, and was likely made of wood, which was standard for mid-19th century tugs. The vessel underwent a significant rebuild in 1894, changing its dimensions and tonnage.
History
The vessel was registered in the U.S. until at least 1884, after which it was reflagged to Canada and renamed Charlton by 1885. Throughout its service, it was owned by several companies, including the International Towing & Wrecking Co. and the Victoria Harbour Lumber Co. The tug was primarily active on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- 14 October 1885: The Charlton ran aground at Fishing Islands while operating without Canadian registry papers, despite Canadian ownership. No loss of the vessel was reported, but this incident prompted legal and administrative action for compliance.
Final Disposition
The Charlton was deliberately scuttled, although the exact date and location of this event are not documented. It is presumed that the vessel was retired due to damage, obsolescence, or intentionally sunk for foundation or hazard marking purposes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it has not been located in records. Further research is needed to determine its exact status and accessibility for divers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”charlton-charles-kellogg-us-88622″ title=”References & Links”]
The Charlton represents an important piece of maritime history on the Great Lakes. Continued archival research may uncover more details about its final days and the circumstances surrounding its scuttling.
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.
Charlton (ex–Charles Kellogg), Official No. 88622 — 1862 Screw‑Propelled Tug
Identification & Basic Info
- Original name: Charles Kellogg, U.S. registry post‑1884
- Official number: 88622
- Built: 1862 by T. Miller in Chicago, Illinois
- Registry history:
- U.S. registry until at least 1884
- Name and registry changed to Charlton under Canadian registry by 1885 (Internet Archive)
- First recorded rebuild and name change appear in the 1885 Sessional Paper (Internet Archive)
Construction & Propulsion
- Hull: Likely wooden (standard for mid‑19th century tugs)
- Propulsion: Screw-driven steam tug
- Engine history:
- Originally fitted with a 22″ × 44″ × 32″ engine from the John Prindiville
- Re‑engined in 1891 at Doty Engine Works (Wikipedia, Internet Archive)
Vessel Dimensions & Tonnage
- Pre‑1894 rebuild: 135′ × 19′ (gross tonnage listed at 389 tons)
- Post‑1894 rebuild (Collingwood, Ontario): 120′ × 19′ × 13′
- Gross tonnage reported: 261 tons
Service & Ownership Timeline
- 1862–1885: As Charles Kellogg, U.S.–flagged, likely active on Great Lakes
- 1885: Sold or reflagged to Canada; renamed Charlton upon registration transfer to Windsor, Ontario (Internet Archive)
- Owners:
- 1885: International Towing & Wrecking Co.
- 1895: Boutelle Towing & Wrecking Co., Sarnia
- 1901–1927: Victoria Harbour Lumber Co.
- 1894: Underwent major rebuild at Collingwood, Ontario
Incidents
- 14 October 1885: Ran aground at Fishing Islands; discovered operating without Canadian registry papers despite Canadian ownership
- No loss of vessel reported. Prompted legal/administrative action for registry compliance.
Final Disposition
- Fate: Deliberately scuttled (date and location not provided in current data)
- Context: Likely retired, damaged, obsolete, or intentionally sunk for foundation/hazard marking
- Citations/Records: No immediate archival source specifying scuttling details located
Gaps & Recommended Archival Research
- Scuttling specifics:
- Date, location, reason (e.g., wrecked, foundation, target practice)
- Technical drawings & registry:
- Search BGSU Great Lakes Vessel Database under official no. 88622 and both vessel names
- Canadian vessel files:
- Access Collingwood, Sarnia, Windsor Coast Guard or port records, marine insurance logs
- Ownership records:
- Investigate company archives for tug fleets: International Towing & Wrecking Co., Boutelle, Victoria Harbour Lumber Co.
- Newspaper reports:
- Search Ontario press (Sarnia, Collingwood, Toronto) for reports of which may detail scuttling or end‑of‑service activities
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Names | Charles Kellogg → Charlton |
| Official No. | 88622 |
| Build Year/Site | 1862, Chicago, IL |
| Rebuilds | 1894 (Collingwood), changed dimensions |
| Owners | International Towing (1885), Boutelle (1895), Victoria Harbour Lumber (1901–) |
| Propulsion | Screw steam tug; re‑engined 1891 |
| Incidents | Grounded 1885, registry irregularity |
| Disposition | Scuttled (not yet located in records) |
Next-Step Research Actions
- Query vessel registry databases (BGSU, Swayze) for full profiles of No. 88622.
- Search digitized maritime records from Canadian ports (Collingwood, Sarnia, Windsor) for scuttling notices.
- Scan local newspapers (Toronto Star, Collingwood Examiner) circa 1920–1930 for final disposition coverage.
- Contact shipping historians or museums (e.g., Marine Museum of Great Lakes at Kingston, Collingwood Museum) for physical records or photographs.