Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hamilton
- Type: Sidewheel Steamboat
- Year Built: 1896
- Builder: Sand Point, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 118 ft (36 m); Beam: 24 ft (7.3 m); Depth of hold:
- Registered Tonnage: Original Gross Tonnage: 320 tons; Gross Tonnage (Post-1921 Rebuild): 344 tons
- Location: Castleford, Ottawa River
- Original Owners: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Hamilton was a sidewheel steamboat, a type of paddle steamer with wheels mounted on either side of the hull. This design provided the power necessary for towing heavy log booms along the Ottawa River. Wooden sidewheelers like the Hamilton were central to the region’s 19th-century economy, particularly the timber trade, which relied heavily on waterborne transportation.
Description
The Hamilton was launched in 1896, specifically designed to meet the demands of the booming timber industry along the Ottawa River. Its robust sidewheel propulsion system allowed it to tow large log booms efficiently between Chenaux and Chats Falls, two key locations in the timber supply chain.
History
The Hamilton underwent a significant rebuild in 1921, increasing its dimensions and tonnage. These modifications ensured the vessel remained competitive and capable of handling the increasing demands of its role in the timber industry.
By 1949, after decades of service, the Hamilton was decommissioned from its active role. However, it was not scrapped or abandoned; instead, its hull was repurposed and deliberately sunk at Castleford to anchor a glance boom. This repurposing exemplifies the vessel’s continued contribution to the logging industry even after its operational life had ended.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Sinking: 1949
- Purpose: Deliberately sunk at Castleford to anchor a glance boom for logging operations.
- Location: Castleford, Ottawa River
Final Disposition
The submerged hull of the Hamilton remains at Castleford, likely buried or deteriorated due to its wooden construction and extended exposure to the river environment. While its exact condition is undocumented, the site holds historical significance as a relic of the Ottawa River’s timber trade.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Hamilton. Mariners in the area should be aware of the historical significance of the Castleford site and exercise caution when navigating near submerged structures.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hamilton-1866″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Hamilton is emblematic of the indispensable role that sidewheel steamboats played in the development of the Ottawa River’s timber trade during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its eventual transformation into a glance boom anchor illustrates the resourcefulness of maritime practices at the time. While its physical remains may have faded, the Hamilton’s legacy endures as a symbol of a bygone era of steam-powered commerce and ingenuity.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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