Henry Gildersleeve (1839)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Henry Gildersleeve
• Type: Sidewheel Steamboat
• Year Built: 1839
• Builder: John Shea
• Dimensions: Length: 170 ft (51.82 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 255 tons
• Location: Southwest of Garden Island, Ontario, Canada
• Original Owners: Gildersleeve family, T. Maxwell & Co., Calvin & Breck

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Sidewheel Steamboat

Description

The Henry Gildersleeve was a wooden sidewheel steamboat constructed in 1839 by shipbuilder John Shea in Kingston, Ontario. Initially measuring approximately 140 feet in length, the vessel underwent significant modifications over its operational life, including a lengthening to 170 feet in 1845. Designed primarily for passenger and mail services, the steamboat featured a sidewheel propulsion system, characteristic of the era’s steam-powered vessels.

History

Launched on December 4, 1839, the Henry Gildersleeve was initially owned by the Gildersleeve family of Kingston. The vessel primarily operated on mail routes along the Upper St. Lawrence River and the Bay of Quinte. Notably, in May 1842, the renowned author Charles Dickens traveled aboard the Henry Gildersleeve from Kingston to Dickinson’s Landing during his North American tour.

In 1840, the steamboat briefly served the Toronto-Hamilton route. On October 8 of that year, a boiler explosion occurred in Toronto, causing significant damage. The vessel underwent repairs and, in 1845, was lengthened to 170 feet by the Kingston Marine Railway. Further enhancements in 1846 included the addition of new cabins on deck, a promenade deck, and a rounded stern to facilitate easier navigation through canal locks. These modifications were completed in time for the Henry Gildersleeve to become the first ship to traverse the newly opened Galops Canal on November 25, 1846.

Ownership changed hands in 1853 when T. Maxwell & Co. acquired the vessel, and again in 1855 when Calvin & Breck took ownership. After 1854, the steamboat transitioned to towboat duties. By 1851, the main deck had been fully enclosed to provide additional protection for passengers and cargo.

Significant Incidents

• October 8, 1840: Boiler explosion in Toronto caused significant damage.

Final Disposition

In 1868, the Henry Gildersleeve was abandoned southwest of Garden Island, Ontario. Two years later, in 1870, the hulk was raised, and its engine was deposited at the Kingston Marine Railway.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Nil

Resources & Links

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The Henry Gildersleeve played a significant role in the development of steam navigation in the Great Lakes region during the mid-19th century. Her service on vital mail routes, notable passengers like Charles Dickens, and involvement in early canal navigation underscore her importance in Canadian maritime history. The vessel’s various rebuilds and modifications reflect the evolving demands and technological advancements of the period.