SS Colvile facts for kids
SS Colvile docked at Norway House, Manitoba c. 1880
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| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | Colvile |
| Owner | Hudson's Bay Company |
| Builder | John Reeves at Grand Forks |
| Completed | 1875 |
| Fate | Burned 1894 |
| Notes | Two non-condensing side-valve engines made April 1872 by C. Dumont, Cincinnati, Ohio |
| General characteristics | |
The SS Colvile was a large steamboat that sailed on Lake Winnipeg. The Hudson's Bay Company built it in Grand Forks, Dakota Territory. It was completed in 1875.
The Colvile was built using parts from other boats. Some parts came from a vessel called the Chief Commissioner. That boat, in turn, had a boiler from the Anson Northup.
Building a Big Boat
The Colvile was one of the biggest ships ever built for the Hudson's Bay Company. The company hired Captain J. Reeves to oversee its construction. He made sure the boat was built correctly.
An Important Trade Link
By 1878, the Colvile was very important for trade. It helped the Hudson's Bay Company move goods along the Red River of the North and Saskatchewan River routes.
When a railway was built to Selkirk, Manitoba, a special storage area was made. This area was on the river's shore. It later became known as the Colvile Landing. A railway track was built from the Selkirk station right to the landing. This made it easy to transfer goods.
The End of the Colvile
Sadly, the Colvile was destroyed by fire in 1894. It happened while the boat was docked in Grand Rapids. This town is located in the northwest part of Lake Winnipeg. The fire also burned down several buildings near the dock.
