IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: C. Hickox

•Type of Wreck: Propeller-Driven Vessel

•Registry: Canadian Official Number 105817

•Rig: Propeller Vessel

•Built: 1873 by Kelley Island Line Co., Cleveland, Ohio

•Hull Material: Wood

•Dimensions:

•Length: 130.58 feet (39.8 meters)

•Beam: 24.66 feet (7.5 meters)

•Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 208 tons

•Net Tonnage: 141 tons

•Final Location: Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: N43 55.85 W76 38.38

•Water Depth: Partially on shore, mooring not required

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The C. Hickox was a wooden propeller-driven vessel built for versatile cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Designed to meet the diverse demands of the late 19th-century maritime economy, it was initially used to carry lumber and brick and later adapted for coal transport. Known for its robust construction and reliability, the vessel’s propulsion system was enhanced with a new wheel in 1874 to improve its operational efficiency.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

The C. Hickox was built in 1873 by the Kelley Island Lime Company in Black Creek, Ohio. Under the leadership of Charles Hickox, president of the company, the vessel was intended to serve the growing demands of the Great Lakes trade. By 1874, it underwent key upgrades, including the installation of a new propulsion wheel, ensuring its capacity to handle bulk cargo effectively.

Operational Career

The vessel had a diverse career, reflecting the evolving industrial landscape of the Great Lakes. Initially, it transported lumber from ports like Muskegon to Chicago, capitalizing on the booming construction industry. Over time, the C. Hickox shifted its focus to carrying brickand other construction materials. Under different ownerships in Detroit, Muskegon, and Milwaukee, the vessel demonstrated remarkable adaptability in meeting market demands.

By 1906, the C. Hickox was owned by Edward Phillips of Saint Clair, Michigan, and was primarily engaged in transporting coal. This transition marked its final chapter as a workhorse for heavy cargo transport in Canadian waters.

FINAL VOYAGE AND TRAGIC END

On December 2, 1906, the C. Hickox embarked on a voyage from Oswego, New York, to Belleville, Ontario, loaded with coal. En route, a catastrophic fire broke out aboard the vessel. Despite the crew’s attempts to extinguish the blaze, the flames spread uncontrollably.

To save their lives, the crew stranded the burning vessel on Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The fire consumed the ship, rendering it a Total Loss. The estimated financial damage was $8,000, a significant sum at the time. Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the incident.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreckage of the C. Hickox remains partially visible on Main Duck Island, where its boiler and other remnants are scattered along the shore. These artifacts serve as a stark reminder of the vessel’s fiery end and the perils of early maritime navigation on the Great Lakes.

OWNERSHIP TIMELINE

1.1874: Kelley Island Lime Company, with Charles Hickox as president, invested in enhancing the vessel with a new wheel for improved propulsion.

2.Subsequent Ownership: Passed to various individuals and companies in Detroit, Muskegon, and Milwaukee, reflecting its diverse operational roles.

3.1906: Edward Phillips, Saint Clair, Michigan, used the vessel primarily for transporting brick and coal.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS

•Lumber and Brick Trade: The vessel played a critical role in transporting essential goods, particularly in the construction and industrial sectors.

•Final Incident (1906): A devastating onboard fire forced the vessel aground, resulting in its loss near Main Duck Island.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The wreckage includes the vessel’s boiler and other parts, which are partially on shore. Over time, these remains have integrated into the island’s natural landscape.

•Accessibility: Visitors can access the site without mooring, as the wreckage lies within reach of the shoreline.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the C. Hickox.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive data on vessels like the C. Hickox.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records and narratives related to the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed documentation of wrecks across the region.

•Wisconsin Shipwrecks: Comparative analysis of similar vessels.

KEYWORDS

C. Hickox, propeller vessel, Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario, Great Lakes shipwreck, coal transport, maritime history, ship fire, Edward Phillips, 19th-century wooden ships.

CONCLUSION

The C. Hickox is emblematic of the dynamic and often perilous maritime industry on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its service life, marked by multiple ownerships and diverse cargo roles, reflects the versatility and resilience of vessels during this era. The fiery demise of the C. Hickox in 1906 underscores the challenges faced by mariners, while its wreckage offers a tangible connection to this rich maritime history. The remains on Main Duck Island stand as a poignant historical artifact, inviting exploration and reflection on the legacy of Great Lakes navigation.