Identification & Site Information

•Names: Maggie R (Tugboat) and Hamilton (Steambarge)

•Location: West Lake, Prince Edward County, Ontario

•Depth: Not specified, removed in September 2022

•Coordinates: Exact coordinates undisclosed

•Condition: Removed by the Government of Canada in 2022

Vessel Type Description

Maggie R (Tugboat):

•Year Built: 1907

•Primary Use: Towing barges, ice clearing, and assisting with dredging operations on the Great Lakes.

•Design: A robust and versatile Tugboat capable of enduring challenging conditions and supporting various maritime operations.

Hamilton (Steambarge):

•Year Built: 1891

•Primary Use: Transportation of bulk goods such as grain, coal, and other commodities.

•Design: A steam-powered Barge, durable and reliable, vital to the economic activities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

Maggie R:

•Built in 1907, the Maggie R served as a reliable Tug on the Great Lakes.

•Involved in various roles over decades, reflecting the adaptability required in the evolving maritime industry.

•Its design and durability made it a key player in towing and dredging operations.

Hamilton:

•Constructed in 1891, the Hamilton played a significant role in the Great Lakes trade networks.

•Transported critical goods for the industrial and agricultural sectors of the region.

•Known for its sturdy construction, it was a dependable steambarge for years.

Final Disposition

Both vessels, alongside an unidentified Barge, were Abandoned in West Lake after their operational usefulness ended. In September 2022, the Canadian government removed them as part of an initiative to clear derelict ships. The effort aimed to improve safety and address environmental concerns in inland waters.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•The Maggie R and Hamilton are no longer accessible for exploration or diving as they have been completely removed from West Lake.

•The dredging operation was a complex task, highlighting the challenges of handling historical wrecks in inland environments.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Maggie R and Hamilton represent key components of the Great Lakes’ maritime history. Their decades of service underscore the importance of tugboats and barges in supporting the region’s economy and infrastructure. Their removal from West Lake reflects a balance between environmental conservation and the preservation of historical records.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Historical Records

•Government of Canada: Information on dredging and shipwreck removal operations.

•West Lake Heritage and Maritime Society: Insights into regional maritime history and heritage.

Keywords

•#MaggieR

•#Hamilton

•#WestLake

•#Tugboat

•#Steambarge

•#GreatLakesMaritimeHistory

•#ShipwreckRemoval

•#EnvironmentalConservation

•#PrinceEdwardCounty

•#CanadianMaritimeHeritage

Conclusion

The removal of the Maggie R and Hamilton from West Lake marks the end of their physical legacy but ensures their stories remain preserved as part of Canadian maritime history. These vessels played crucial roles in the economic and industrial development of the Great Lakes region, and their absence from the lake is a reminder of the evolving priorities in balancing heritage preservation and environmental stewardship.