Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: Resolute
  • Year of Build: 1875
  • Built at: Britannia, Ontario
  • Type: Steamship (Screw-Propelled)
  • Hull Materials: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Original Official Number: 73941
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 17.1 m (56 feet)
    • Beam: 3.4 m (11 feet)
    • Depth: 1.8 m (6 feet)
  • Tonnage (Gross): 36 tons
  • Engine: 12×12, manufactured by Perkins Bros., Ottawa

Vessel Type Description

The Resolute was a wooden, screw-propelled Steamship built in 1875 by J. Bedard in Britannia, Ontario. At 36 tons Gross Tonnage, the vessel was relatively small, designed primarily for use as a Tugboat. It served vital roles in towing operations and assisting other vessels navigating the rivers and waterways of Ontario and Quebec.

History

The Resolute began service in 1875 and was owned by A. G. Jones of Ottawa by 1877. Its efficient screw-propulsion system, powered by a Perkins Bros. 12×12 engine, made it reliable for the demands of regional waterway operations.

The vessel underwent a significant Rebuild in 1879, likely involving structural improvements or machinery updates, and retained its official number, 73941. This Rebuild ensured its continued functionality as a Tugboat in the region. Ownership of the Resolute changed multiple times:

Notable Incidents

  • October 28, 1880: The vessel sank near Quyon, Quebec, but was successfully raised and repaired, returning to service.
  • July 29, 1890: The Resolute met its final demise in a fire at the foot of the canal locks in Ottawa. The cause of the fire remains undocumented, but it marked the end of the vessel’s operational life.

Final Disposition

The Resolute was destroyed by fire on July 29, 1890, in Ottawa, near the canal locks. No remains of the vessel are known to exist today. Its legacy persists as a testament to the utility of small steamships in 19th-century regional commerce.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist regarding the wreck of the Resolute. The vessel’s remains were likely removed or lost to time.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Resolute was an essential part of the maritime infrastructure in late 19th-century Ontario and Quebec. Despite its modest size, it played a critical role in supporting navigation and transportation along key waterways. Its destruction in 1890 marked the end of a noteworthy chapter in regional maritime history, but the vessel remains an emblem of the hardworking steamships that helped shape the economy of the Great Lakes and surrounding areas.

Keywords

Resolute, Steamship, Britannia Ontario, Ottawa, Rockland Ontario, Screw-Propelled Vessel, 19th-century Maritime History, Wooden Shipwreck, Tugboat, Fire, Quyon Quebec.