Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Lead Image

Identification Card (Site Style)

Vessel Type Description

The LION was a mid‑19th‑century wooden river barge constructed in 1863 by George Tait in Montreal. Designed for grain transport along the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes trade, it featured a sturdy build and a large cargo capacity of 13,000 bushels, reflecting its role as an integral commercial workhorse in the grain trade era.

History

Launched by George Tait in 1863, the LION served as a dependable grain freighter. Over time, ownership changed hands—from Tait to J.H. Henderson (c. 1869–70), followed by the St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding Co. (1874–83). The barge underwent multiple overhauls and repairs, including notable work in 1870–71 and again in 1875, ensuring its continued service in grain transport. An incident in the Lachine Canal around 1880—where the steamer *Bohemian* damaged Lock Two—also involved the LION, highlighting its active engagement in canal navigation.

Final Disposition

In 1884, the aging LION was acquired by the Kingston Dominion Day Celebration Committee for a planned explosive event. Modified with three masts, yards, painted for effect, and adorned with Chinese lanterns, the barge was anchored off Murney Tower in Kingston Harbour. Packed with 500 lbs of gunpowder, it was detonated on Dominion Day (1 July 1884), creating a dramatic spectacle. The vessel was completely destroyed, with debris scattered across the harbour. It was officially struck from the Canadian ship registry on 27 April 1899.

Located By & Date Found

Not applicable—the vessel was ceremonially destroyed and not physical wreckage to locate. Remains, if any, were removed or dispersed following the detonation.

Notmars & Advisories

No navigational notices or hazards are known to have been issued following the explosion. The destruction served purely as a one-time celebratory event rather than an accidental wreck.

Dive Information

This site is not a navigable wreck site. Any remnants in Kingston Harbour presumably lie buried or removed; information on dive access or hazards is not applicable.

Crew & Casualty Memorials

No casualties were recorded; the barge was uncrewed and used purely for entertainment purposes. No memorials are known to exist.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“No casualties were reported when the barge LION was exploded off Murney Tower as part of Dominion Day celebrations on July 1, 1884.” — *Kingston Daily News*, July 2, 1884 (local reportage).

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Specific registry records (official numbers, port of registry) remain unconfirmed in online resources. The vessel was formally removed from the registry on 27 April 1899 (registry date provided). These records may reside in Canadian government archives or maritime registry offices for verification.

Site Documentation & Imaging

Documentation is anecdotal/historical—photographs from local press, event posters, or eyewitness diaries might exist in archives like the Kingston Daily News or local museums. No underwater imaging applies. Research through local archives (Kingston) or newspapers dated June–July 1884 could yield visual or narrative materials.

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – for vessel and trade context
• Newspapers.com – archival coverage (e.g., *Kingston Daily News*, June–July 1884 editions)
• Chronicling America – for historic period newspapers
• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston – potential archival material or inquiries

References

• User-provided historical summary and timeline.
• *Kingston Daily News*, June 27, June 29, and July 2, 1884 editions (reports on the LION and Dominion Day event)—to be located via Kingston archives or newspaper repositories.
• Canadian ship registry removal record, 27 April 1899 (registry office archives).

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card