Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: R. W. Standly
- Type: Wooden propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: J. W. Banta in Buffalo
- Dimensions: 170 × 27 × 11 ft; approximately 460 tons
- Registered Tonnage: 460 tons
- Location: Dominion Wharf, Hamilton, Ontario
- Official Number: No surviving official number
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Construction: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
Description
The R. W. Standly was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer built in 1846 by J. W. Banta in Buffalo. It measured approximately 170 feet in length, 27 feet in beam, and had a depth of hold of 11 feet, with a registered tonnage of about 460 tons. The last known status of the vessel was moored at Dominion Wharf in Hamilton, Ontario.
History
The R. W. Standly played a significant role in early steam navigation on the Upper Great Lakes. Its destruction in 1875, alongside other vessels, highlighted the persistent fire hazards associated with wooden waterfront infrastructure.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: October 8, 1875
- Event: Destroyed by fire while docked at Dominion Wharf, Hamilton, Ontario—alongside propellers Zealand, Bristol, and others.
- Casualties: Reported 1 life lost in the dock fire.
- Financial Impact: Total estimated loss approximately $40,000.
Final Disposition
The hull of the R. W. Standly was consumed by the fire, and the remains were likely dismantled or salvaged post-fire. The incident raised questions about dockside fire safety due to its occurrence in a busy waterfront area, implicating multiple vessels and wharf structures.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the site is unknown, but it is presumed that the wreckage was removed following the fire. There may be opportunities for underwater or shoreline surveys at the site of Dominion Wharf for any remaining metal artifacts or hull fastenings.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”r-w-standly-1846″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the R. W. Standly not only resulted in significant financial loss and the tragic loss of life but also likely influenced local harbor safety and insurance practices in Hamilton.
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 & Build
- Construction: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1846 by J. W. Banta in Buffalo
- Dimensions: 170 × 27 × 11 ft; approximately 460 tons
- Registry: No surviving official number; listed among adult Great Lakes steamers
- Last Known Status: Moored at Dominion Wharf, Hamilton, Ontario
Final Incident & Loss
- Date of Loss: October 8, 1875
- Event: Destroyed by fire while docked at Dominion Wharf, Hamilton, Ontario—alongside propellers Zealand, Bristol, and others
- Casualties: Reported 1 life lost in the dock fire (Marsh Historical Collection, Naval History, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Financial Impact: Total estimated loss approximately $40,000 (Marsh Historical Collection)
Fate & Aftermath
- The hull was consumed; remains likely dismantled or salvaged post-fire.
- The event occurred in a busy waterfront, implicating multiple vessels and wharf structures—raising questions about dockside fire safety at the time.
Historical Significance
- R. W. Standly played a role in early steam navigation on the Upper Great Lakes.
- Its destruction, linked with sister fire losses (Zealand, Bristol), underscores persistent dock fire hazards amid wooden waterfront infrastructure.
- With significant financial loss and loss of life, the incident likely shaped local harbor safety and insurance practices in Hamilton.
Research & Investigation Opportunities
| Focus Area | Action Items |
|---|---|
| Local Newspapers | Examine Hamilton Spectator and Globe & Mail (Oct 1875) for dock fire details, casualty names, and insurance claims. |
| Harbor Authority Records | Investigate Hamilton port logs or municipal archives for fire reports and reconstruction contracts. |
| Insurance Documentation | Search maritime insurance filings—likely with Lloyd’s or Canadian insurers—to assess loss valuation and reconstruction indemnity. |
| Archaeological Survey | Consider underwater or shoreline survey at the site of Dominion Wharf for metal remains or hull fastenings. |
Summary Snapshot
- Name: R. W. Standly
- Type: Wooden propeller steamer, 460 tons
- Built: 1846, Buffalo
- Loss: Oct 8, 1875 — fire at Dominion Wharf, Hamilton, Ont
- Casualties: 1 life lost
- Loss Value: ~$40,000
- Remains: Destroyed; dock-side wreckage—likely removed