Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ontario
- Type: Wooden barge
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Welland, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: Approximately 110 ft (33.53 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Not available
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3.66 m / 12 ft
- Location: Musquash River, Ontario
- Official Number: Not available
- Original Owners: Not documented
- Number of Masts: Not applicable
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Ontario was a wooden barge designed for the timber industry, primarily used for transporting lumber and related materials.
Description
The Ontario was a wooden barge built in 1867 at Welland, Ontario. Measuring approximately 110 feet (33.53 meters) in length, she was constructed to serve the timber industry, primarily transporting lumber and related materials. The Ontario was one of three sister ships, alongside the Wales and the Chippewa, that played a significant role in the operations of Muskoka Mills at the mouth of the Musquash River.
History
Throughout her operational life, the Ontario was integral to the timber trade in the Georgian Bay area. Working in conjunction with her sister ships, she facilitated the movement of lumber from the Muskoka Mills, contributing to the economic development of the region during the late 19th century. Her robust design allowed her to navigate the challenging waterways of the Musquash River and Georgian Bay, ensuring the steady supply of timber to various markets.
Significant Incidents
- Deemed unseaworthy and abandoned upriver, below the second set of rapids on the Musquash River.
Final Disposition
After years of dedicated service, the Ontario was deemed unseaworthy and abandoned upriver, below the second set of rapids on the Musquash River. Her remains now lie in a sheltered location in approximately 3-12 feet (0.91-3.66 meters) of water. The exact date of her abandonment is not precisely documented but is believed to be around 1895.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Ontario has been known to local historians and divers for many years. Specific details about the initial discovery or exploration of the site are not extensively documented. However, the wreck’s location is well-known among the diving community, particularly those exploring the Musquash River area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ontario-1867″ title=”References & Links”]
The Ontario serves as a historical artifact, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of the Georgian Bay region. Her remains offer insights into the construction and operation of 19th-century wooden barges that were pivotal to the timber industry. The site continues to be of interest to divers and historians, contributing to the understanding of the area’s industrial past.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Ontario
- Former Names: None documented
- Registration Number: Not available
- Date Built and Launched: 1867 at Welland, Ontario
- Measurements: Length: Approximately 110 feet (33.53 meters)
- Date Lost: Circa 1895
- Vessel Type: Wooden barge
Description
The Ontario was a wooden barge built in 1867 at Welland, Ontario. Measuring approximately 110 feet (33.53 meters) in length, she was constructed to serve the timber industry, primarily transporting lumber and related materials. The Ontario was one of three sister ships, alongside the Wales and the Chippewa, that played a significant role in the operations of Muskoka Mills at the mouth of the Musquash River.
History
Throughout her operational life, the Ontario was integral to the timber trade in the Georgian Bay area. Working in conjunction with her sister ships, she facilitated the movement of lumber from the Muskoka Mills, contributing to the economic development of the region during the late 19th century. Her robust design allowed her to navigate the challenging waterways of the Musquash River and Georgian Bay, ensuring the steady supply of timber to various markets.
Final Disposition
After years of dedicated service, the Ontario was deemed unseaworthy and abandoned upriver, below the second set of rapids on the Musquash River. Her remains now lie in a sheltered location in approximately 3-12 feet (0.91-3.66 meters) of water. The exact date of her abandonment is not precisely documented but is believed to be around 1895.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck of the Ontario has been known to local historians and divers for many years. Specific details about the initial discovery or exploration of the site are not extensively documented. However, the wreck’s location is well-known among the diving community, particularly those exploring the Musquash River area.
Notices to Mariners & Advisories
Mariners navigating the Musquash River should exercise caution due to the presence of submerged hazards, including the remains of the Ontario and other vessels. The shallow depths and potential for underwater obstructions necessitate careful navigation, especially near the second set of rapids where the Ontario is located.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Ontario serves as a historical artifact, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of the Georgian Bay region. Her remains offer insights into the construction and operation of 19th-century wooden barges that were pivotal to the timber industry. The site continues to be of interest to divers and historians, contributing to the understanding of the area’s industrial past.
Suggested Keywords: Ontario shipwreck, Musquash River, Georgian Bay maritime history, Muskoka Mills, timber trade vessels
Categories: Maritime History, Shipwrecks, Canadian Transportation History
Glossary Terms:
- Wooden Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel constructed from wood, primarily used for transporting bulk goods such as timber.
- Muskoka Mills: A historical lumber mill operation located at the mouth of the Musquash River, significant in Ontario’s timber industry.
- Georgian Bay: A large bay of Lake Huron, located in Ontario, Canada, known for its rich maritime history and numerous shipwrecks.