Lion (1863)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: LION
• Type: Wooden river grain barge
• Year Built: 1863
• Builder: George Tait
• Dimensions: Length 107.8 ft (32.86 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 203.28 tons
• Location: Kingston Harbour, off Murney Tower
• Coordinates: Kingston Harbour, off Murney Tower (approximate)
• Official Number: —
• Original Owners: Originally George Tait; various subsequent owners; final use by Kingston Dominion Day Celebration Committee
• Number of Masts: Three masts (modified for display)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

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.

Description

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.

History

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.

Significant Incidents

• No casualties were recorded; the barge was uncrewed and used purely for entertainment purposes.

Final Disposition

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

Current Condition & Accessibility

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.

Resources & Links

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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.