Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Iroquois
  • •Other Names: SIMCOE, NORTH, and MARY WARD
  • Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Steamer, Two Decks
  • Year: 1864
  • Builder: A. Cantin or Charles Tate, Montreal, Quebec
  • Specifications:
    • Original Tonnage: 335.38 tons register
    • Length: 137.08 feet (42 meters), later 138.8 feet (42.3 meters)
    • Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
    • Depth: 8.7 feet (2.65 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 345 tons (post-Rebuild)
    • Net Tonnage: 236 tons (post-Rebuild)
  • Capacity: Initially 15,000 bushels; increased to 25,000 bushels
  • Engine: Single propeller with a 45-horsepower steam engine
  • Construction Cost: $28,000 in 1864
  • Date of Loss: November 24, 1872
  • Place of Loss: Nottawasaga Island Reef, Georgian Bay, near Collingwood, Ontario
  • Lake: Huron
  • Coordinates: Not specified
  • Depth of Wreck: Unknown

Vessel Type Description

The Iroquois (originally SIMCOE, later MARY WARD) was a wooden propeller Steamer built in Montreal, Quebec, in 1864. Its construction was notable for its sturdy wooden Hull and round Stern, featuring a single mast and two decks. The vessel underwent several rebuilds and name changes, serving both commercial and military purposes. Originally designed to transport grain, its capacity increased over time, reflecting its adaptability and utility.

History

Construction and Early Service

  • The SIMCOE was launched in 1864 and initially operated on the Montreal-Chicago route, primarily carrying grain. It was one of four vessels built by the McLennan brothers as blockade runners during the American Civil War.
  • After the war, the vessel was chartered by Glassford & Jones, a Kingston-based forwarding company, and continued to serve in the grain trade.

Incidents and Rebuilds

  • 1865: The SIMCOE ran aground near Racine, Wisconsin, damaging its rudder while carrying flour. Repairs were made, and it returned to service.
  • 1868: A significant fire caused the ship to sink near Baby Point in the St. Clair River. The vessel was later raised and Rebuilt by J.E. Wood in Wallaceburg, Ontario.
  • 1869-70: Renamed MARY WARD under Mackenzie of Sarnia, the vessel was refitted, increasing its capacity and tonnage.

Final Voyage

  • On November 24, 1872, the MARY WARD departed Owen Sound, bound for Collingwood, Ontario. Navigating Georgian Bay, the vessel struck Nottawasaga Island Reef during a storm.
  • Despite rescue attempts, eight lives were tragically lost in the disaster. The wreck was Abandoned, and its registry was closed in 1878.

Final Disposition

The MARY WARD sank near Nottawasaga Island Reef, marking the end of its tumultuous service. Ownership disputes and documentation gaps further complicated its historical record. While its wreck location is known in general terms, detailed exploration is sparse, leaving much of its story untold.

Significance

The MARY WARD encapsulates the evolution of maritime technology and the challenges of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Its varied history—from grain transport to Confederate blockade running—underscores the multifaceted roles of Great Lakes vessels during this period.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the wreck. Divers should exercise caution due to potential hazards from submerged wreckage and shallow reefs.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The wreck’s current state is unknown but likely fragmented due to the storm and subsequent environmental exposure.

Accessibility: Located in Georgian Bay near Nottawasaga Island Reef, the site may present challenges for divers, including shallow reefs and variable Visibility.

Resources & Links

Keywords – #SIMCOE #MARYWARD #WoodenSteamer #GeorgianBayShipwreck #NottawasagaReef #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #ConfederateBlockadeRunners #ShipwreckPreservation

Conclusion The MARY WARD, originally the SIMCOE, tells a compelling story of resilience, adaptation, and ultimate loss on the Great Lakes. Its tragic end on Nottawasaga Island Reef serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by 19th-century mariners. Today, the wreck remains a valuable yet underexplored relic, offering opportunities for historical and archaeological discovery in Georgian Bay.