Kitty Freil (c1869)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Kitty Freil
• Type: Propeller Barge
• Year Built: Circa 1869
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 99 ft (30.2 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Rideau Canal

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Kitty Freil was a wooden propeller barge designed for cargo transport in Ontario’s critical waterways, including the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal. As a propeller-driven vessel, it used a screw propulsion system, enabling efficient movement through the often challenging currents of the region. Its construction and later rebuild reflected the evolving needs of mid-19th-century commerce, including increased cargo capacity and durability for demanding routes.

Description

The Kitty Freil entered service in 1869 and played a pivotal role in regional transportation. The vessel’s engines were installed at the Kingston Foundry in August 1869, marking the start of its career as a steam-powered barge on Ontario’s waterways.

History

The Kitty Freil suffered its first significant setback in 1873 when a fire broke out while it was navigating the St. Lawrence River. The blaze caused severe damage, but the vessel was deemed salvageable and underwent extensive repairs. During its reconstruction, the barge was lengthened to 99 feet, likely to increase its cargo capacity and efficiency.

The Kitty Freil gained a degree of local notoriety due to its unfortunate history. Its second and final tragedy occurred in August 1879 when it caught fire while traveling through the Rideau Canal. This second incident marked the end of the vessel’s service. The burning of the Kitty Freil had a lasting impact, inspiring a folk song by the group Tamarack, immortalizing its story in the cultural history of the region.

Significant Incidents

• 1873: Fire while navigating the St. Lawrence River, leading to extensive repairs and lengthening of the vessel.
• August 1879: Caught fire while traveling through the Rideau Canal, resulting in total loss.

Final Disposition

The 1879 fire rendered the Kitty Freil a total loss. There are no records of further attempts to rebuild or salvage the vessel. Its remains likely settled within the Rideau Canal, though the exact location is unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Kitty Freil. Any potential remnants are part of the historical fabric of the Rideau Canal, but their precise status remains undetermined.

Resources & Links

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The Kitty Freil represents the resilience and vulnerability of wooden vessels in the 19th century. Despite its promising start and a significant rebuild following the 1873 fire, the barge met a dramatic end in the Rideau Canal in 1879. Its legacy is preserved in local folklore, serving as a reminder of the challenges and hazards of maritime transportation in Ontario during this era.