Lily (1842)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Lily
• Type: Steamboat
• Year Built: 1842
• Builder: Montreal, Quebec
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Grenville Canal, Quebec

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Lily was a wooden-hulled steamboat, a prevalent vessel type in the 19th century, particularly on Canadian inland waterways. Steamboats like the Lily played a crucial role in transporting passengers and cargo, significantly contributing to the economic development of regions along the St. Lawrence River and its connected canals.

Description

Constructed in 1842 in Montreal, Quebec, the Lily was a wooden steamboat designed for navigation along the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. Throughout its operational life, the vessel changed ownership multiple times, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce during that period. Specific details regarding its dimensions, tonnage, and engine specifications are not readily available in the provided sources.

History

The Lily’s service history includes several notable incidents:

• July 1842: Shortly after its launch, the Lily capsized near Kingston, Ontario. The incident occurred when the vessel was “drawn over” by the barges it was towing, highlighting the challenges of early steamboat operations, especially when managing multiple towed vessels.
• November 1842: The Lily, along with other vessels, was caught by an early freeze near Burritts Rapids. This event underscores the perils of navigating Canadian waterways during the transitional seasons, where unexpected weather changes could impede travel and pose significant risks to vessels and their crews.
• August 30, 1868: The Lily met its demise when it was destroyed by fire on the Grenville Canal. The circumstances surrounding the fire are not detailed in the available sources, but such incidents were not uncommon, given the wooden construction of vessels and the use of open flames for lighting and heating on board.

Final Disposition

The destruction of the Lily by fire on August 30, 1868, on the Grenville Canal marked the end of its operational life. The Grenville Canal, part of a series of canals constructed to bypass rapids on the Ottawa River, was a vital waterway for commerce during that era. The loss of the Lily would have been a setback for its owners and the communities it served, reflecting the inherent risks of 19th-century steamboat navigation.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no records indicating that the wreckage of the Lily has been located or identified.

Resources & Links

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The Lily’s operational history reflects the challenges and hazards faced by steamboats navigating Canadian inland waterways in the 19th century. From capsizing incidents to being trapped by early freezes and ultimately being destroyed by fire, the vessel’s story underscores the resilience of maritime operations during that era. While specific details about the Lily’s construction and specifications remain scarce, its service record contributes valuable insights into the broader narrative of steamboat navigation and commerce in 19th-century Canada.