Ralph T. Holcomb (formerly Isaac Lincoln) – Built 1898

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Ralph T. Holcomb, formerly Isaac Lincoln
  • Type: Steam Barge
  • Registry: United States/Canada (as ownership changed)
  • Year Built: 1898
  • Builder: Sandusky, Ohio
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 40.7 m (133.42 ft)
    • Beam: 9.2 m (30.16 ft)
    • Depth: 2.8 m (9.16 ft)
  • Tonnage:
    • Gross: 375 tons
    • Net: 165 tons
  • Final Location: Cardinal, Ontario, St. Lawrence River
  • Coordinates: Not precisely specified
  • Water Depth: Approx. 6.1 m (20 ft)

Vessel Type Description

The Ralph T. Holcomb was a steam Barge with Screw Propulsion, purpose-built for cargo transport in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region. Originally launched in 1898, it was designed to haul industrial freight, notably coal. The vessel’s Hull type is not confirmed, though likely wooden based on construction era and vessel class.

History

Originally named Isaac Lincoln, the vessel served general freight duties before acquisition by the Canada Starch Company. Converted to a coal carrier, it became integral to fueling operations in the company’s Cardinal-area processing facilities. The Barge’s route through the St. Lawrence represents its key logistical role in early 20th-century Canadian industry, at a time when steam power and riverine transit dominated inland transportation.

Sinking and Abandonment

By the early 20th century—around 1930—the Ralph T. Holcomb had been removed from active service. It was scuttled or sank near Cardinal, Ontario, likely due to obsolescence or structural failure. The vessel lies in an old canal bank, a remnant of pre-Seaway infrastructure.

The Wreck Site

  • Location: Old canal channel near Cardinal, Ontario, close to historical mill operations
  • Depth: Approximately 6.1 m (20 ft)
  • Condition: Partially submerged, some wooden structure reportedly preserved
  • Accessibility: Shallow site; potential for archaeological diving or historical documentation
  • Ecological State: Partial encrustation with aquatic growth; no formal preservation reported

Final Disposition

Retired and likely intentionally Abandoned by 1930, the Holcomb was left in the canal near Cardinal. There is no record of salvage or major survey work, and the wreck remains largely undocumented.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Ralph T. Holcomb exemplifies the essential, often-overlooked vessels that supported early Canadian industry. Its coal-hauling service for the Canada Starch Company reflects an era when canal and river navigation powered regional economies. Today, its wreck near Cardinal offers a rare lens into Great Lakes–St. Lawrence maritime logistics before the rise of modern bulk shipping and the Seaway.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

Steam Barge; coal transport; Canada Starch Company; St. Lawrence River shipwreck; Cardinal, Ontario; 20th-century industrial vessel; Great Lakes cargo Barge; canal abandonment; underwater heritage.