Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

William IV

Explore the history of the William IV, a pioneering steamer that served as a gunboat during the Patriot War and later transitioned to a tugboat on the St. Lawrence River.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: William IV
  • Type: Steamer
  • Year Built: 1831
  • Builder: James Wood
  • Dimensions: Length: 140 ft (42.67 m); Beam: 25 ft; Depth of hold: 10 ft
  • Registered Tonnage: 450 tons
  • Location: Gananoque, Ontario
  • Original Owners: John MacDonald and associates; later Calvin & Breck

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The William IV was a wooden steamer with four smokestacks, designed for passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes.

Description

Launched on October 29, 1832, the William IV was patterned after Hudson River steamers. It featured a sidewheel propulsion system powered by a 200 horsepower vertical beam engine, with 26-foot paddle wheels.

History

The vessel operated between Prescott, Ontario, and various ports along Quinte, later servicing Toronto. In 1838, it was chartered by the Canadian government during the Patriot War to serve as a gunboat, participating in the Battle of the Windmill.

After being beached during a gale in 1840, it was recovered and repaired. By 1845, it was owned by Calvin & Breck and converted into a tugboat, used for log rafting and towing along the St. Lawrence River and Rideau Canal.

Retired in 1858, the William IV was replaced by the William (1860), which utilized its machinery.

Significant Incidents

  • 1838: Chartered as a gunboat during the Patriot War.
  • 1840: Beached during a gale but recovered and repaired.

Final Disposition

The William IV was retired from service in 1858 and replaced by the William (1860).

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown as the vessel was retired and replaced, with no known remains.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The William IV stands as a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history, showcasing the evolution of steam-powered vessels and their roles in both commerce and conflict.