City of London 1888

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: City of London
• Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Year Built: 1888
• Builder: D. Foster, London, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 90 ft (27.4 m); Beam: 31 ft (9.4 m); Depth: 4 ft (1.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 79 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 1.2 m / 4 ft
• Location: London, Ontario
• Original Owners: D. Foster, London, Ontario

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The City of London was a sidewheel steamer, a vessel type characterized by its paddle wheels mounted on either side of the hull. This design was ideal for navigating the shallow waters of rivers and lakes, making it particularly suited for the Thames River. Its purpose was to serve as a passenger ferry, providing scenic transportation between London, Ontario, and the leisure destination of Springbank Park. The steamer combined modest size with a reliable engine, meeting the needs of local transportation and recreation.

Description

The City of London was built in 1888 by D. Foster in London, Ontario, to meet the growing demand for transportation and leisure travel. The vessel’s construction included a 10×14 engine produced by Stevens & Burns, a well-regarded local engine manufacturer.

History

During its brief operational period, the City of London became a vital link between the city and Springbank Park, enhancing accessibility and fostering local tourism. The steamer earned a reputation for reliability and efficiency, becoming a cherished feature of the community’s waterways.

The vessel symbolized the expansion of recreational activities in late 19th-century Ontario. As one of the few steamers dedicated to leisure travel in the region, it represented the area’s economic and social development.

Significant Incidents

• On March 31, 1892, the City of London was destroyed by a fire while docked in London, Ontario. The blaze completely consumed the wooden vessel, leaving no remnants.
• The cause of the fire was not documented, but such incidents were common for wooden vessels of the era, where fire safety measures were minimal.

Final Disposition

The City of London was completely destroyed, and no physical artifacts or remnants of the vessel exist today. The loss marked a significant setback for local transportation and recreation, as the vessel had been an important part of the community’s daily life.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The historical site of the fire is within the city limits of London, Ontario. While there are no visible remains, the location can be explored for its historical significance.

Resources & Links

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The City of London was a vital element of London, Ontario’s transportation and leisure history. Its short-lived service between 1888 and 1892 provided a critical connection between the city and Springbank Park, fostering community engagement and economic growth. The vessel’s fiery end underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden steamers of the time, highlighting the ever-present risks of fire. Although no remnants of the ship remain, its legacy continues to be a part of the region’s rich maritime history.