Iron Scow (Niagara Frontier Barge)
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Iron Scow
- Former Names: None
- Registration Number(s): Not formally registered as a commercial vessel; used in dredging
- Date Built and Launched: Early 1900s (exact date unknown)
- Measurements: Approx. 18.3 m (60 ft) in length
- Date Lost/Abandoned: August 6, 1918
Vessel Type
Barge (Dredging Scow)
Description
The Iron Scow is a steel-hulled Barge that gained historical significance after a near-disaster on the Niagara River in 1918. It was used as part of a dredging operation conducted by the Great Lakes Dredge and Docks Company. On the day of the incident, the scow detached from its Tug, carrying two men aboard, and began drifting rapidly towards the Horseshoe Falls
History
On August 6, 1918, while engaged in a sand-dredging operation upstream from Niagara Falls, the Iron Scow broke loose from its Tugboat. As the Barge drifted perilously close to the edge of the Horseshoe Falls, the two men aboard acted quickly by deploying the bottom dump doors to flood and ground the vessel on a shoal just 767 metres (2,500 feet) from the brink.
A massive rescue effort followed, involving the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities. A lifeline was launched to the stranded scow using a grappling gun, and the men were ultimately rescued using a breeches buoy. William “Red” Hill Sr., a noted Niagara riverman and war hero, played a vital role by untangling the lifeline in treacherous conditions, enabling the men’s safe return.
The scow became embedded in the shoal and remained unmoved for over a century, turning into a notable historical landmark.
Final Dispositions
The Iron Scow remained lodged in the upper Niagara River until Halloween night in 2019, when a severe storm dislodged the structure and pushed it approximately 50 metres downstream. It settled again and has since shown significant signs of structural collapse and corrosion. The Niagara Parks Commission continues to monitor the remains.
Located By & Date Found
- Initial Positioning: Self-grounded, August 6, 1918
- Shifted: October 31, 2019, due to storm activity
NOTMARs & Advisories
- Location: Niagara River, just upstream of Horseshoe Falls
- Marked: Yes, as a historic obstruction and monitored site
- Coordinates: 43.0795°N, -79.0783°W
Resources & Links
- Niagara Parks: The Iron Scow
- Smithsonian Article on the Scow’s Movement
- YouTube – History of the Niagara Falls Old Scow
Images:
 |  |
|---|
Conclusion
The Iron Scow of the Niagara River is one of Canada’s most iconic derelict vessels, embodying both a harrowing escape and a testament to early 20th-century engineering. Despite its deteriorating state, it continues to serve as a powerful visual and historical reminder of the dangers and drama of Great Lakes shipping and river operations.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
- Iron Scow, Niagara River shipwrecks, derelict vessels Ontario, Great Lakes maritime history, 1918 Niagara incident, William Red Hill, breeches buoy rescues, Niagara Parks historical landmarks
Glossary Terms
- Scow: A flat-bottomed boat with squared ends, typically used for transporting bulk materials.
- Breeches Buoy: A rescue device consisting of a canvas seat and life ring used to transfer individuals from a stranded vessel to shore via a rope line.