IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
Vessel Name: Quebec
Type: River Barge
Year Built: 1862
Builder: Henry Roney
Build Location: Garden Island, Ontario
Gross Tonnage: 261 tons
Registered Tonnage: 234.15 tons
Dimensions: 114 feet in length
Capacity: 13,000 bushels
Stern Type: Square
Masts: None
Final Location: Sunk in Portsmouth Harbor (Hatter’s Bay), Ontario
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Quebec was a wooden river Barge designed for bulk cargo transport, specifically for goods such as grain and coal. Built with a flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged Hull and a square Stern, it was optimized for the shallow waters of rivers and harbors. Its impressive capacity of 13,000 bushels reflects its essential role in regional trade during the 19th century.
HISTORY
Construction and Early Operations
Built in 1862 by Henry Roney on Garden Island, Ontario, the Quebec served the needs of regional trade as part of a growing shipping network on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Initially owned by Calvin & Breck and leased to the Chaffey Brothers, it was a critical component in the movement of goods across Ontario’s waterways.
Rebuild and Service Life
The Quebec underwent a significant Rebuild in 1872-73, suggesting extensive modifications or repairs to maintain its functionality. Such reconstructions were common for barges of the time, allowing them to continue serving beyond their original design life. The Barge was part of the assets acquired by the Montreal Transportation Co. when they took over the St. Lawrence and Chicago Forwarding Co. in 1883.
Final Years
By the early 1880s, the Quebec had been retired and was no longer actively listed in service records. It sank in Portsmouth Harbor (Hatter’s Bay) at some point during this period, likely due to age and wear rendering it unserviceable. By 1887, it was no longer included in the Montreal Transportation Co.’s fleet.
FINAL DISPOSITION
Cause of Loss: The exact cause of the sinking is not documented but is presumed to be related to its advanced age and declining condition. The Barge was Abandoned and allowed to sink in Portsmouth Harbor, where it rests to this day.
Date of Sinking: Early 1880s
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
•Navigational Warnings: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with this wreck.
•Advisories: Divers or mariners near Hatter’s Bay in Portsmouth Harbor should exercise caution for potential underwater debris.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck of the Quebec has been known historically but lacks specific discovery or exploration records.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The Quebec lies submerged in Portsmouth Harbor, likely deteriorated after over a century underwater. As a wooden vessel, its structural components may have decayed significantly, though some portions could remain preserved in the sediment. The site is accessible for exploratory dives, though no formal documentation or archaeological work has been performed on the wreck.
RESOURCES & LINKS
•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes: Historical insights into the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of historical ship and shipping records.
•Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS): Resources for preserving Ontario’s underwater heritage.
•Ontario Archives: Documentation of Ontario’s historical vessels and industries.
KEYWORDS
Quebec Barge, Garden Island, Montreal Transportation Co., Portsmouth Harbor shipwreck, Lake Ontario wrecks, Henry Roney, 19th-century river Barge, Great Lakes maritime history.
ANALYSIS
The Quebec played a pivotal role in the 19th-century trade infrastructure of Ontario’s waterways. As a river Barge, it exemplified the workhorses of the era, vital for transporting bulk goods that fueled regional economies. The Barge’s abandonment in Portsmouth Harbor reflects the lifecycle of many such vessels, which often served until they were no longer economically viable. Today, the Quebec represents an important but largely forgotten piece of Ontario’s maritime heritage. Further exploration of its remains could provide valuable insights into the construction and operation of similar vessels.