Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: The Muskrat
- Type: Inland wooden steamboat
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: Jason Gould (operator); builder unknown
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Depth at Wreck Site: 2 m / 6 ft
- Location: Muskrat Lake, Ontario
- Coordinates: 45.6202° N, 76.8783° W
- Official Number: Not registered
- Original Owners: Jason Gould (private)
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Muskrat was an inland wooden steamboat, marking a significant advancement in water transport in the Ottawa Valley.
Description
The Muskrat was the first known steamboat to operate on Muskrat Lake in the Ottawa Valley. Constructed in 1852 and operated by Jason Gould, the wooden vessel was part of a strategic effort to expedite trade and passenger movement between Cobden and Pembroke. It replaced earlier rowboats used in the region’s primitive ferrying service and was soon joined by a larger steamer, North Star, in 1853.
History
Jason Gould began ferry operations on Muskrat Lake in the mid-19th century to improve efficiency in the Ottawa Valley’s fur trade and supply routes. The introduction of The Muskrat in 1852 marked a transition to mechanized inland water transport in the area. The steamboat ran between Cobden and points connecting with overland portage routes toward the Ottawa River and Pembroke.
On May 16, 1853, a massive forest fire swept through the Muskrat Lake region. The blaze destroyed critical infrastructure including Gould’s wharf, storehouses, and The Muskrat, which was at dock. The larger steamboat North Star survived the fire as it was on the lake during the incident.
Significant Incidents
- May 16, 1853: A massive forest fire destroyed The Muskrat while docked, along with other infrastructure.
Final Disposition
The Muskrat was consumed by fire and sank in Muskrat Lake. The fire damage, followed by submersion, likely left scattered remains. No record exists of salvage or insurance claims from the time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of The Muskrat was discovered in 1965 by scuba divers from the Underwater Society of Ottawa. The remains were located just offshore. Items recovered included charred timber, iron fittings, and glass bottles. No formal archaeological or 3D site documentation is publicly available.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”the-muskrat-1852″ title=”References & Links”]
No crew list or casualty record survives for The Muskrat. The incident resulted in vessel loss but no known fatalities.
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