List of historical ships in British Columbia explained

The following is a list of vessels notable in the history of the Canadian province of British Columbia, including Spanish, Russian, American and other military vessels and all commercial vessels on inland waters as well as on saltwater routes up to the end of World War II (1945).

A

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
ActivoActivaBodega y Quadra, Cosme Beltodano, Salvador Menéndez, Salvador Fidalgo, José María Narváez, othersbrigantine200 ton, 16 guns, 2 masts (originally 195 ton displacement, carried twelve 3-pounders and two 3-pounder swivel guns)SpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San BlasKeel laid 9 December 1791; completed in 60 days; cost 29,854 pesos. Launched 29 February 1792.Remained in service of San Blas Naval Base until at least 1808.Built as a schooner specifically for Bodega's 1792 diplomatic voyage to Nootka Sound and named Activa. In 1793 or 1794 was reconfigured as a brigantine and renamed Activo.[1]
AbyssiniaSteamship: passenger and freight liner3651 tonsCPR (chartered from Cunard)1887, TransPacific record on inaugural CPR shipment from Orient to NY/UK1887–1891destroyed by fireFirst of CPR liners, pre-Empress series
Horcasitas, Orcasitas, OrcacitasRobert Haswellsloop, merchant about 45U.S., SpainBoston merchants, then Spanish Navy Dept. of San BlasFirst U.S. ship built in the Pacific, traded to Bodega y Quadra in 1792.1792–Built at Clayoquot Sound over the winter of 1791-1792 by the crews of the Columbia Rediviva and Lady Washington. Some materials were brought from Boston but most were harvested at Adventure Cove, Clayoquot Sound.[2]
SS Alert
Alexander (1796 ship)Asa Dodge, John Brownbrigantine, converted to brig, converted to ship13468 feet in lengthAbiel Winship, Charles Winship; ten other Boston merchantsBuilt in Pembroke, Massachusetts.1789, 1800, 1803Visited Nahwitti in northern Vancouver Island in 1800, opening a lasting trading relationship between Americans and the Kwakwaka'wakw.
SS Alice
Alphasteam launchArrow Lakes and Columbia River during CPR construction
Ameliaformerly French Emilie[3] TrotterbrigUnited StatesProvidence, Rhode Island merchantsAt Nootka Sound in May, 1793, then to Haida Gwaii in company with Jefferson.1793, 1795, 1797
AnnJames Hale, then Stephen HerseyBrig204 tonsUSBryant & Sturgis and Boardman & PopeBuilt 1816, Pembroke, MA. In 1819 arrived in Kaigani Haida territory and traded along the Northwest Coast. Sailed to Canton in late 1819, then to Boston. A second voyage left Boston in 1822 and spent two years in Hawaii, California, and probably the Northwest Coast. Sold to Russians at Bodega Bay in late 1823.1819, 1823
AranzazuJuan Bautista Matute, Jacinto Caamaño, John Kendrick Jr, othersfrigateSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San Blasscientific/ethnographic surveycirca 1789-1795Also spelled Aranzazú
ArgonautArgonautaJames ColnettBritainKing George's Sound Company, then joint company with John Meares and partnersCaptured by Spain during Nootka CrisisAfter captured by Spain was briefly part of the Spanish Navy at San Blas and called a packet boat, Argonauta. It was to be part of the 1790 fleet sailing to Nootka Sound under Eliza, but the San Carlos was used instead.[4]
AstrolabeL'AstrolabeFleuriot de Langlefrigate500 tonsFranceFrench NavyLa Pérouse Expedition. With Boussole, was 5th and 6th ships to visit Hawaii.late 1780ssee also Boussole
AtahualpaDixey Wildes (1st voyage), Oliver Porter, Adams (2nd voyage), William Sturgis (3rd voyage), John Suter (4th voyage)210 tonsU.S., RussiaTheodore Lyman and associates.[5] Russian American Company.Made four voyages toe the Northwest Coast. Attacked in Milbanke Sound, 1805; Captain Porter and 8 men killed. Coordinated with Lydia (II) after attack. Sold to Russians and renamed Bering.1801–1802, 1804-1805 1807, 1812-1813Wrecked at Waimea Bay.Built in Kennebunk. Sister ship of the Guatimozin. With Lydia (II) (see that entry) sold to Russians for 20,000 sealskins.
Atlintogasoline-screwNoneSold to John Noland in 1927. Operated on Atlin Lake.1911–presentOn display at Atlin.Built in 1911.This boat is not to be confused with the sidewheeler Atlinto, built in 1904, and which became the Glengarry in 1906.
AtrevidaJosé de Bustamantecorvette120 foot length, 306 tons, 16 officers and 86 menSpainSpanish NavyLaunched 1788, returned to Spain 1794Twin of the Descubierta

B

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
RMS BC ExpressJoseph BuceysternwheelerGross 449 Registered 283Barnard's ExpressLaunched at Soda Creek June 1912Retired in 1920 at South Fort George
BeaversidewheelerBritainHBCMaritime Fur Trade and military use from Columbia River to Alaska Panhandle1836-1888Wrecked at Prospect Point, Stanley ParkBoulton and Watt beam engines
Belle SavageDavid OckingtonBrig183 tonsUS1801, apparently was attacked by 150 Gwaʼsala under "Chief Wacosh" in Smith Inlet, vessel was captured but retaken.[6] 1801Built 1799 at Braintree, Massachusetts. Sometimes sailed in company of Atahualpa.
Blair of AtholSteam-screw, one 6ʺ × 5½ʺ cyl.11Canada #111608Joseph G. “Scottie” Morrison (1898-1902);Margaret Ward (1902-1904); Northern Lumber Co. (1904-1905)Operated on Atlin Lake.1898-1905Broken up in 1905.Built in 1900 by Morrison at New Westminster, B.C.
Bordelais Camille de RoquefeuilShip200 tons, 8 guns, 34 crewFranceBalguerie Jr., Bordeaux, FranceMaritime Fur Trade1817, 18181817, sailed from France to Chile, California, Nootka Sound.
BostonJohn Salter"trading ship"[7] USOn 22 March 1803, was seized by Maquinna, all but two of the crew "murdered"; a "desperate attempt by Maquinna to regain his prestige.[8] 1803Only survivors John Thompson and John R. Jewitt, the latter's account of his captivity is a classic in Pacific Northwest early history. Both lived in captivity at Nootka Sound until rescued in July 1805 by Captain Samuel Hill of the Boston brig Lydia.
BoussoleLa BoussoleLa Pérousefrigate500 tonsFranceFrench NavyWith Astrolabe, 5th and 6th ships to visit Hawaii.late 1780s
ButterworthWilliam Brown400 tonsBritainWilliam BrownMaritime fur trading in 1790sPart of the "Butterworth squadron", including Jackall and Prince Lee Boo
RMS B.X.Owen Forrester BrownesternwheelerGross 513 Registered 28316 inchesCanadaBarnard's ExpressLaunched in Soda Creek May 13, 1910Sank in August 1919, Salvaged and Retired October 1919

C

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
Schooner, 4 guns, 12 men71BritainHBCcarried J. Douglas from Ft. Nisqually to site of Ft. Victoria, 1842Launched 1826Sold (1846?)HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade
Captain CookBetsey (renamed Captain Cook in 1785)Henry Laurie (or Lawrie)brig350 tons, crew of 61, including James Strange (1786 voyage)BritainJames Strange and David Scott (future chairman of East India Company)Left John Mackay at Nootka Sound to collect furs until Strange returned, but he never did. Mackay was taken aboard the Imperial Eagle in 1787. Under direction of James Strange, explored and named Queen Charlotte Sound; continued north to Prince William Sound. Tried but failed to sail to Copper Island. Returned to Macau in December 1786.1786Sailed with the Experiment
Archibald Jameison Archibald Jameison At 2 in the morning on August 2, 1861, the ship exploded as it was leaving Victoria harbour. 7 people died. Sunk August 2, 1861
Caroline (merchant ship)Charles Derby, William Sturgis150 tonsThomas & James Lamb, Russell Sturgis, and Ebenezer Preble (1st voyage), J & T Lamb, Sturgis, and James & Thomas H. Perkins (2nd).Captain Derby died in 1802, First Mate Sturgis took command.1801-1802, 1804-1805Profittable 2nd voyage; acquired 4,900 sea otter pelts.
Cascasternwheeler, two 16ʺ x 72ʺ cyl.590Canada #103919 Casca Trading & Transportation Co. (1898 to 1899 or 1900);Otto R. Bremmer (1899 or 1900 to 1903); Ironside, Rennie & Campbell Co. (1903-1904); White Pass & Yukon Route (1904-1911)Operated on the Stikine River in 1898 and 1899.1898-1899Broken up at Lower Laberge, Yukon in 1911.Built in 1898 by the Esquimalt Marine Ry. Co. at Victoria, B.C.
CharlotteJames D. Ingersoll155 tonsUSSeventeen Boston owners.Built at Scituate, Massachusetts, 1800; in Haida territory in 1801; sold in 1802.1801Went to avenge the Haida attack on the Belle Savage. Five chiefs were lured on board then murdered. Later the Haida avenged this event with the murder of Bernard Magee of the Globe.
MV CharlotteOwen Forrester Browne Frank OdinsternwheelerGross 217 Registered 79CanadaNorth British Columbia Navigation CompanyLaunched at Quesnel on August 3, 1896Wrecked at Fort George Canyon, salvaged and abandoned at Quesnel 1910
Chernui OrelRussia
ChichagoffChichagovRussia
MV ChilcoNechaccoJohn Bonser in 1909-10 George Ritchie 1910-11sternwheelerGross 129 Registered 76CanadaFort George Lumber and Navigation CompanyLaunched at Quesnel May 25, 1909Tore apart in ice jam at Cottonwood Canyon in April 1911. Nothing recoveredFirst sternwheeler to navigate the Grand Canyon of the Fraser
MV ChilcotinD.A. FostersternwheelerGross 435 Registered 274Fort George Lumber and Navigation CompanyLaunched at Soda Creek July 20, 1910Retired 1914
City of AinsworthLeansternwheelerCanadaSank in storm on Kootenay Lake November 29, 1898, 9 lives lostWreck is heritage site
Colonel Moody
ColumbiaBarque, 6 guns, 24 men308 tonsBritainHBCLaunched 1835Sold (1850?)HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
ColumbiaUSColumbia River and Kootenay Steam Navigation CompanyArrow Lakes-Columbia River servicedestroyed by fire
Columbia RedivivaColumbiaRobert Gray, John Kendrickfull-rigged ship[9] Burthen: 213 tons.Length: 83′6″. Beam: 24′2″. Draft: 11'. Crew: 16-18 min, 30-31 max.U.S.First exploration of the Columbia RiverBuilt 1787 (or rebuilt, "rediviva" meaning "revived"), Plymouth, MA.Decommissioned 15 Oct 1806, salvaged.sometimes sailed with Lady Washington
ConcepciónFrancisco de Eliza, othersdepot-guardship, frigate, or corvetteSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San BlasGuarded Fort San Miguel in 1790 and 1791. Described by Bodega: "is no more than a corvette with 26 small-calibre guns."[10]
MV ConveyorJack Shannonsternwheelergross 725 registered 457CanadaFoley, Welch and StewartLaunched on Skeena River in 1909, Fraser River in 1912Retired at Fort GeorgeWorked on both GTP and PGE rail construction
ConvoyWilliam H. McNeilBrig135 tonsUSJosiah Marshall, BostonMaritime Fur Trade1826
CortezSpain
BritainHBCLaunched 1840Sold 1851HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
CrusaderBenjamin PickensBrig110 tonsUSEliab Grimes.Maritime Fur Trade1832
CutchJessie Banning, Bogotaschooner-rigged steamshipCanadaUnion Steamship Company of British ColumbiaUnion Steamship Co's first successful passenger shipLater served as a gunboat in South America

D

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
Dare (schooner)3-masted schoonerrwewced Dec. 23, 1880 off Carmanah Point[11] while en route from San Francisco to Tacomahome port North Bend OR; Dare Point near Carmanah is named after the ship.
Derby (1803 ship)Benjamin Smith (1st voyage), James Bennett, then Thomas Brown (2nd voyage)ship300 tonsUnited StatesJ. & T.H. Perkins and James & Thomas Lamb, and Benjamin Smith1807, 1810Built 1803 in Salem, Massachusetts. William Sturgis on board during 2nd voyage.
DescubiertaAlessandro Malaspinacorvette120 foot length, 306 tons, 16 officers and 86 menSpainSpanish NavyLaunched 1788, in Pacific Northwest 1791, returned to Spain 1794Twin of the Atrevida
Despatch (ship)DispatchElias Nordbery, then John Caswell (1st voyage); Jonathan Bowers (2nd); William Breck (3rd); Samuel A. Dorr (4th)Ship106 tonsUnited StatesDorr and Sons of BostonIn 1795 rescued the only survivor of the Resolution, tender to the Jefferson, whose crew, including Captain Burling and Solomon Kendrick had been killed at Cumshewa. In July 1795 Captain Nordbery was accidentally killed by the Kaigani Haida Chief Altatsee. In May 1799 at Kaigani helped negotiate an end to a mutiny on the Boston ship Ulysses, and witnessed execution of two native captives by Captain Rowan of the Eliza.1795, 1797, 1799, 1801Made four voyages to the Northwest Coast.
Dobraia NamereniaRussia
204 tonsBritainHBCLaunched 1825, purchased by HBC 1829.Sold 1836HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
DuchesnayGen. Jeff C. Davis (1900-1933)sternwheeler, two 12ʺ x 54ʺ cyl.277Canada #107151Canadian Pacific Ry. (1898-1899);Edward J. Rathbone (1899-1900); U.S. Army (1900-1922); Alaskan Engineering Commission (1922-1923); The Alaska Railroad (1923-1933)Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River in 1898.1898-1899Broken up at Nenana, Alaska in 1933.Built in 1898 by C.P. Ry. at Vancouver, Washington.

E

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
193 tonsBritainHBCLaunched 1824, purchased by HBC 1827.Sold 1837HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
EleanoraEleanorSimon Metcalfebrig190 tonsU.S.Almost captured during 1789 Nootka Crisis.1787 or 1788; 1789, 1790, 1794Captured and destroyed by Haida under Koyah.One of the first American vessels on Northwest Coast, possibly predating Columbia and Lady Washington.
ElizaJames Rowan[12] Ship135 tonsUSJ. & T.H. Perkins, James Magee, Russell Sturgis, and other Boston merchants.At "Nass", May 1799, Captain Rowan captured Haida Chief Scotsi and his brother. In 1796 Rowan had served on the Sea Otter under Stephen Hills, who was killed by Scotsi at Cumshewa. In revenge Rowan arranged the execution of Scotsi and his brother by Kaigani Haida at Tattiskey, witnessed by the Boston ships Ulysses, Despatch, and Eliza, and about 2,000 natives. About the same time Roman and Captain Breck of the Despatch ended a mutiny on the Ulysses. William Sturgis transferred to the Ulysses. Later in 1799 Rowan became the first American captain to try trading illegally in California.1799Built 1796, Providence, Rhode Island. William Sturgis part of crew.
EllwoodSail5Canada #107637 Thomas H. WorsnopOperated on Atlin Lake.1898-191_Registry closed in 1916.Built in 1898 at Seattle, Washington.
RMS Empress of Japansteamship/ocean liner5,905 GRTCanadaCanadian Pacific Railway (CPR)trans-Pacific speed record until 19141926, scrapped
RMS Empress of JapanRMS Empress of Scotland, SS Hanseaticsteamship/ocean liner30,030 GRTCanada, GermanyCanadian Pacific Steamships (CP)1966, fire in NYC harbor
Enterprise (I)Ezekiel Hubbell, and possibly Joseph O'Cain and/or James ScottShip240 tonsUnited StatesNew York merchantsEncountered the Atahualpa in Sitka, April 1801.1801
Enterprise (II)John Ebbets (or Ebberts)Ship291 tonsUnited StatesJohn Jacob AstorAt Nahwitti, June 1810, then Sitka1810-1811, 1816-1817Built 1807 in Philadelphia. Two voyages to Northwest Coast, wintering in Hawaii.
MV EnterpriseJW Doane and Thomas WrightsternwheelerCanadaGustavus Blin-WrightMade one trip to Takla Lake for Omenica Gold RushLaunched at Alexandria May 9, 1863Wrecked on Trembleur Lake 1871First sternwheeler on upper Fraser River. First of only two to travel to Takla Lake
Enterprise (1861)William Alexander Mouat and George Rudlinsidewheeler150Hudson's Bay CompanyThe first wooden side-wheeler to travel between Victoria and New Westminster on the Fraser RiverBuilt at San Francisco in 1861 and bought by Hudson's Bay Company in 1862Collided with the steamer R.P. Rithet (sternwheeler) 28 July 1885
ExperimentJohn Guise150 tons, crew of "about 36"BritainJames Strange and David Scott (future chairman of East India Company)Maritime fur trading along the coast from Nootka Sound to Prince William Sound. With James Strange aboard sailed to China, arriving at Macau in November 1786.1786Sailed with the Captain Cook

F

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
Thomas Humphrey Metcalfeschooner or brig24 tonsU.S.Possibly Simon Metcalfe.Separated from Eleanora near Macau in 1789, sailed via Unalaska to Nootka Sound. There captured by Spain during the Nootka Crisis. Returned by 1790 and sailed to Hawaii for rendezvous with Eleanora. Attacked and captured by Native Hawaiians in revenge for Simon Metcalfe's Olowalu Massacre, with only one survivor, Isaac Davis.1789Built in New Jersey, 1784. Tender to Simon Metcalfe's Eleanora. Captured and crewed by Hawaiians under Kamehameha I. Later returned to New York and enrolled for coast service in 1795.
FairyWilliam Rogers[13] US (Boston)William DouglasMaritime Fur Trade1791, 1794Owned by William Douglas, captain of the Grace and formerly of the Iphigenia.
FavoritaIgnacio de ArteagafrigateSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San Blas1779sailed with Princesa under Bodega y Quadra
Felice AdventurerFelice, Felice Adventure, Feliz Aventureira, Feliz Aventurero, Felice AventuraOstensibly Francisco José Viana, but really John Meares[14] PortugalJohn Meares and partnersMaritime Fur Trade vessel in the 1780s, captured with three others of Meares' ships by Spain in 1789, causing the Nootka Crisis but released in 1789 or 1790.In 1788 carried materials for building the North West America to Nootka Sound. Together with the Iphigenia, flying the Portuguese flag to evade East India Company monopoly in the region, but actually British in operation
Fenis and St. JosephSao Jao y Fenix, San José el FénixOstensibly John de Barros Andrade, but really Robert DuffinbrigPortugalProbably John Meares and partnerstransported Zachary Mudge to China, as part of the Vancouver Expedition1792sailing under a flag of convenience
Florencia
Florinda
Flying DutchmanWilliam Moorefirst lumber shipment from Burrard Inlet; Moodyville August 1863
MV Fort FraserDoctorJohn Bonser (1910) George Ritchie (1911–13)sternwheelergross 33, registered 21CanadaFort George Lumber and Navigation Companylaunched at Soda Creek June 1910retired in 1913First sternwheeler to navigate the upper Fraser River to Tête Jaune Cache
IdahoeCaptain Smith Jamieson (killed by boiler explosion on this ship)Stern wheel steamer110 feet long.The Yale Steam Navigation Company Ltd, British ColumbiaDesigned by James Trahey. Launched from Laing & Scorgie's? (or "Laings Ways"?) shipyard in James Bay, Victoria. Blast from boiler explosion was so great that a 90-pound piece of the boiler was blown a quarter mile inland.Launched on Oct 15, 1860 James Bay, Victoria, BCBoiler explosion April 14, 1861
Forty-NineLeonard WhiteBig Bend Gold Rush/CPR Survey1865-1866/1870send of gold rush, revived for CPR surveyBig Bend service was from Marcus, Washington to La Porte, British Columbia; from 1871 supply ship for Walter Moberly's survey party

G

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
214 tonsBritainHBCLaunched 1827, purchased by HBC 1830.Sold 1837.HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
GladysAlcohol vapor screw (1899-1906);Steam-screw (1906-1930)9Canada #107722North-West Mounted Police (1899-1904);Royal Canadian Mounted Police (1904-1910); Pine Creek Power Co. (1910-1914); Inland Trading Co. (1914-1930)Operated on Atlin Lake.1899-1930Abandoned at Atlin in 1930.Built in 1899 by Marine Vapor Engine Co. at Jersey City, New Jersey.
GlengarryAtlinto (1904-1906)sidewheelerNoneWilliam J. Smith and James D. DurieOperated on Atlin Lake.1904 to 1907 or 1908Retired in 1907 or 1908.Built in 1904 by Smith at Atlin.This boat is not to be confused with a gasoline-screw boat of the name Atlinto, which was built in 1911, and which has been put on display at Atlin.
GlobeBernard Magee, then William CunninghamShip245 tonsUnited StatesThomas H. Perkins, Bernard Magee, James Magee.October, 1801, Captain Magee killed by Haida at Skidegate.1801-1802, maritime fur tradeBuilt 1800, Newbury, Massachusetts.
Golden HindGolden Hinde, Golden Hynde, PelicanFrancis Drakegalleon3009 feetEnglandcircumnavigationAlleged to have visited the BC Coast
GraceWilliam Douglas, R.D. Coolidgeschooner85 tonsFlew US flag but was never in a US port and had no registration papers.Maritime Fur Trade. Sometimes sailed with Lady Washington under John Kendrick; together made first American contact with Japan in 1791.approx. 1790-1793Captained by same William Douglas who earlier captained the Iphigenia and was a British associate of Meares; later captained American ships and flew under the US flag.
GriffonMarcus T. Pierce, Charles Taylor, W.C. LittleBrig180 tons, 8 guns, 24 crew.USBryant & Sturgis and Boardman & Pope; Hawaiian owners after 1830.Maritime Fur Trade1825-1829Built at Medford, Massachusetts. Spent four years on Northwest Coast, with short trips to Hawaii and California. Shipped furs to Canton on other vessels. In 1830 and 1832 hunted Californian sea otters with crews of Northwest Coast natives.
GuatimozinS. Bumstead, William Clanville (or Glanville)211 tonsUSTheodore Lyman and associates, Boston1801-1803, 1805, 1807–1808Wrecked on New Jersey shore, February 1810.Maritime Fur Trade vessel; sister ship of the Atahualpa. Made three voyages to Northwest Coast.
Gustavus IIIAlso spelled Gustaf III. See MercuryJohn Cox

H

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
HalcyonCharles William Barkleybrig80 tons. Or 60 tons.[15] Britain1792Sailed with Venus. Visited Alaska but probably not present-day British Columbia.
HamiltonLamuel Porter (1st and 2nd voyages); William Martain (3rd and 4th voyages)Ship233 tonsUnited StatesLyman and Associates; William Sturgis, other Boston merchants.At Tattiskey (south end Dall Island), 1806 or 1807, one crew wounded by Kaigani Haida, then "a great many...numerous innocent" Haida were killed around the ship in revenge; at Nass between 1809 and 1811 a conflict escalated to violence and several crew killed; during 4th voyage often sailed in company of Mentor, Thaddeus, Rob Roy, and Volunteer.On Northwest Coast 1806–1807, 1809–1811, 1815–1818, 1820–1822.Built in Maine; Made four maritime fur trade voyages to Northwest Coast, 1805–1823.
Hamlinsternwheeler, two 16ʺ x 72ʺ cyl.515Canada #107144Canadian Pacific Ry. (1898-1901);White Pass & Yukon Route (1901-1903); John Banser, William McCallum, and David Reider (1903-1904); Thomas J. Kickham (1904-1910); Edward J. Coyle (dealer, 1910–1911); Hamlin Towing Co. (1911-1917); James H. Green (1917-1918); Defiance Packing Co. (1918-1923)Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River in 1898. In the Vancouver, B.C. area, 1903–1910. In the Victoria, B.C. area 1910–1911. On the Fraser River, 1911–1923.1898 and 1903-1923Foundered in the Fraser River in 1923.Built in 1898 by the C.P. Ry. at Vancouver. Not used under W.P.&Y.R. ownership.
HancockSamuel Crowellbrig94 tonsUnited StatesSamuel Crowell, Joseph Cordis, and Edward Jonesfirst US vessel to penetrate Masset Sound.1791, 1792, 1793Built in Salem, Massachusetts, 1784. Crowell and his men built a tender for the Hancock on Maast Island, off Masset, in the summer of 1791, which was the first European-type vessel to be built in the Haida Gwaii.
Hancock (II)John Crocker205 tons.United StatesDorr and Sons.In May, 1799, mutiny at Sitka, Alaska, seven crew left ashore.On Northwest Coast 1799.Built in Boston, 1793; maritime fur trader; carried a commission as a privateer while on Northwest Coast; involved people (owners, crew, etc.) included later Northwest Coast captains Nathaniel Dorr, William Dorr, and Edmund Fanning (of the Tonquin).
Hazard (I)Benjamin Swift (1st-3rd voyages), William Smith (4th voyage).BrigUnited StatesJ. & T.H. Perkins, James Magee, Russell Sturgis, Eleazar Johnson. Margaret Magee after 1802 (only Boston woman known to have owned a share in a maritime fur trading vessel).1798, lost mate and four crew on Columbia Bar. 1808, on return to Boston boarded by Royal Navy and three crew pressed into service as British citizens.1797-1798, 1800–1801, 1803–1804, 1806-1807Built in 1796 at Newburyport; made four maritime fur trade voyages to Northwest Coast, wintering on the coast (1st and 4th voyages) or in Hawaii (2nd and 3rd).
Hazard (II)James Rowan (formerly of Eliza)ShipUnited StatesOn Northwest Coast 1803–1805; 1803 visits California, 1804 at Haida Gwaii.Home port, Providence, Rhode Island; in 1803 begged permission to stay in California a while by reason of the danger of trading with Northwest Coast natives.
Hazel B No. 1Harry A. Barrington, Sydney C. Barrington, W. Hill Barrington340 H.P. Diesel-screw102U.S.A. #243456Barrington Transportation Co. (1941-1945);Harry Donnelley (1945-1949); Kuskokwim Transportation Co. (1949 to 1952 or 1953); Alaska Towing & Salvage, Inc. (from 1952 or 1953)Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River from 1941 to 1944.1941-1944Abandoned between 1965 & 1967Built in 1941 by Barrington at Wrangell. The first Barrington boat named Hazel B had been built in 1914, and never operated in British Columbia.
1st Hazel B No. 2Harry A. Barrington, Sydney C. Barrington, W. Hill Barrington180 H.P. gasoline-screw135U.S.A. #214262Barrington Transportation Co.Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River from 1916 to 1931.1916-1931Destroyed by fire at Wrangell in 1932.Built in 1916 by Barrington at Anchorage, Alaska.
2nd Hazel B No. 2Harry A. Barrington, Sydney C. Barrington, W. Hill Barrington270 H.P. Diesel-screw143U.S.A. #231646Barrington Transportation Co. (1932 to 1952 or 1953);Alaska Dept. of Health (1952 or 1953 to 1955); Donald A. Peterson (1955-1967)Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River from 1932 to 1941.1932-1941Registry closed between 1981 & 1988.Built in 1932 by Marine Construction Co. at Seattle, Washington.
Hazel B No. 3Harry A. Barrington, Sydney C. Barrington, W. Hill Barrington, Alan V. Ritchie95 H.P. gasoline-screw14U.S.A. #215503Barrington Transportation Co. (1917-1944);Barrington Ritchie and Early Co. (1944-1949)Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River from 1917 to 1949.1917-1949Foundered on the Stikine River in 1949.Built in 1917 by Charles M. Binkley Sr. at Wrangell.
Hazel B No. 4Harry A. Barrington, Sydney C. Barrington, W. Hill Barrington400 H.P. gasoline-screw70U.S.A. #218593Barrington Transportation Co.Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River1919-193_Registry closed between 1933 & 1939.Built in 1919 by Barrington at Wrangell.
HazeltonJohn Bonser Joseph BuceysternwheelerCanadaRobert Cunningham and Hudson's Bay Company1901-1912made obsolete on Skeena River due to completion of GTPsold to Prince Rupert Yacht Club
HeraldWilliam J. Hammond (or Hammat)Ship303 tons.United StatesMore than 80 owners in 1822; in 1828 registered by Bryant & Sturgis with Paschal Pope.Early career details unknown1820s; 1829 at Kaigani in company with Volunteer and Griffin.Built 1818 at Newbury for maritime fur trade. Early career details unknown. 1828-1829 voyage better known, John Suter on board (former captain and partner in several PNW ventures).
Hope (1789 brigantine)Joseph IngrahamBrigantine.72 tons.U.S.Thomas Handasyd Perkins, Russell Sturgis, and James Magee.1791, Ingraham fashioned copper neckrings for trade which became highly popular that season, to great profit; in 1792 the fad had passed and Ingraham could hardly give them away and the venture lost money.Built 1789 at Kittery; on Northwest Coast 1791, then China, then returned to NW Coast 1792.captured in the Quasi-War and sold off in 1797Maritime fur trader; In 1790 carried 12 cannon, 6 swivel guns, and other "War implements", with crew of 16. Ingraham's log published as Journal of the Brigantine Hope on a Voyage to the Northwest Coast of North America, 1790-1792. Parts of supercargo Ebenezer Dorr's journal survive.[16]

I

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
Il’menaLydiaCaptain Wadsworthbrig90 tonsRussiaRussian American Company1814See Lydia (II), which was purchased by RAC and renamed Ilmena.
Imperial EagleLoudon, changed to Imperial Eagle when adopting the Austrian flag.Charles Barkleyfull-rigged ship400 tonsAustriaPrivate trading company; backers included John MearesMaritime Fur TradeSailed for PNW under Charles Barclay in Nov. 1786. In Hawaii, May 1787. At Nootka Sound in 1788; largest ship to ever enter Friendly Cove. Ship confiscated in India around 1790, by East India Company or John Meares.British but registered as Austrian to illegally evade East India Company trade monopoly.[17] First ship to sail up the western shore of Oahu. Frances Barkley was the first woman to visit and first to write about British Columbia.[18]
InlanderJoseph Bucey 1910-11 John Bonser 1911-12sternwheelerCanadaPrince Rupert and Skeena River Navigation Company1910-1912abandoned at Port Essingtonlast sternwheeler on Skeena River
India PacketCaptain Rogers226 tons, 88 feet long.United States1796-97, cruised northern coast, procuring 1,100 prime skins in Haida Gwaii and over 2,200 in total, sold in Canton and cargo of teas and "China curiosities" purchased; very profitable venture.Sailed from Boston (1796) to Northwest Coast (1796-1797) to Canton (1797) to Boston (1798).Built 1795 in Braintree. Ebenezer Johnson among crew, whose narrative was published in 1798 (one of very few American maritime fur trade accounts published during the trading era.[19] [20]
Iphigenia Nubiana, Iphigenia, EphigeniaOstensibly Francisco José Viana (Portuguese), but really William DouglasPortugalJohn Meares and partnersMaritime Fur Trade on the PNW coast, 1788–89. Captured with three others of Meares' ships by Spain in 1789, causing the Nootka Crisis, released in 1789 or 1790.Maritime Fur Trade vessel in late 1780s and early 1790s; British but registered as Portuguese to illegal evade East India Company trade monopoly.
IsabellaWilliam Heath Davis, Captain Tyler209 tons.United StatesBoardman and Pope, Boston.1809 left Boston, 1810 in Sitka, then to California with hunting party of Aleuts, 48 baidarkas, and a Russian overseer; in California 1810–1811, then Sitka; 1812 several trips between Hawaii and Canton. From 1812 to 1816 made several voyages between Hawaii, Northwest Coast, and California.1810-?1809 maritime fur trade voyage to California with Northwest Coast native labor from Sitka. Crewman Caleb Reynolds (on board 1809–1812) wrote account in his "Notebook" of a visit to a hot springs near Sitka, 1811. Possibly sold to Russians in 1814, but soon in American hands again. Possibly the same ship later purchased by the HBC in 1829.
Isabella195 tonsBritainHBCPurchased by HBC 1829.Lost 1830.HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.

J

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
JackalJackallAlexander Stewart, William Brownsloop86BritainPriestlyMaritime fur trading in 1790sPart of the "Butterworth squadron", including Butterworth and Prince Lee Boo
JaneElias Newbury or Nordbery.Schooner72 tons.United StatesEbenezer Dorr (formerly mate of Hope and later captain of Otter)1792, registered in Boston for maritime fur trade voyage; 1793 at Haida Gwaii, 1794 at Canton; returned to Boston August 1794.1793Built 1787 at Newburyport. Captain Nordbery commanded another Dorr vessel, the Despatch, in 1794, during which voyage he was killed by Haida Chief Altadsee.
JeffersonCaptain Josiah Robertsship145 tons.United StatesJosiah Roberts (captain), Bernard Magee (first mate), Russell Sturgis, and 8 other Boston merchants.1791 left Boston; 1792 collected 13,000 seal pelts off Chile coast; then to Marquesas where small schooner, Resolution, was built to act as tender (under Mr. Burling, later captured and destroyed in Haida Gwaii). On Northwest Coast, 1793–94, mostly between Nootka Sound and Clayoquot Sound, and Haida Gwaii; wintered in Clayoquot Sound; to Canton in late 1794; return to Boston 1795.1793-1794Lost at Cape of Good Hope sometime after 1795.Built 1791 at Newburyport for Northwest Coast maritime fur trade. After 1791-95 voyage changed ownership. Bernard Magee's log survives, owned by Massachusetts Historical Society; Magee is very critical of John Meares's chart and descriptions of coast. Captain Roberts claimed to have discovered the Marquesas Islands (naming them "Washington's Islands").
JennyJames Baker (1st voyage), J.W. Adamson (2nd voyage)schooner78 tonsBritainSidenham Teast1st voyage: In Columbia River, 1792, met Broughton of Chahtham there; also at Nootka. 2nd voyage: Columbia River, elsewhere; little known, lost at sea?[21] [22] 1791 (1st voyage), 1794-1795 (2nd voyage)Lost at sea?
Jenny (II)Captain Bowers (1st and 2nd voyages), Captain Crocker (3rd)205 tons.United StatesEbenezer Dorr and sons.1797 left Boston; 1798 on Northwest Coast; 1799 in Boston; 1800 on NW Coast, then Canton; 1801 in Boston. 1802 on NW Coast, then Hawaii and Canton; 1803 in Europe, then Boston.1798 (1st voyage), 1800 (2nd), 1802 (3rd).Built in New York City. Made three maritime fur trade voyages to Northwest Coast. In Antwerp, 1803, Madame Bonaparte visited the vessel.
John Brightwrecked near Clo-ooseinconclusive piracy & murder investigation[23]
Joseph PeabodyJoseph Moorebrig225 tons.United StatesLeft New York in 1835, on Northwest Coast 1836, causing the Hudson's Bay Company annoyance, as they were trying to drive the Americans away. Also cruised California. In 1837 arrived in Canton, via Hawaii; returned to New York later in 1837.1836One of the last US maritime fur trade vessels to cruise the Northwest Coast. Named for a prominent Salem merchant.
Juno (merchant ship)John Kendrick Jr (might have been in command by end of 1st voyage), Captain Gibbs (master, 1st voyage), John D'Wolf (or De Wolf, 2nd voyage)206 tons.United States, RussiaGeorge D'Wolf (or De Wolf) and John D'Wolf (2nd voyage)1801 sailed from Bristol, Rhode Island; 1802–1803 on Northwest Coast. March 1803, tried unsuccessfully to rescue survivors of the Boston in Nootka Sound; 1804 in Canton; 1805 on Northwest Coast; October 1805, sold to Russians; continued to cruise Northwest Coast under Russian flag with Aleut hunters. May 1810, harassed by Haida; Captain Samuel Hill of the Otter was accused of instigating the harassment.1802-1803, 1805Lost at sea, November 1811.Two maritime fur trade voyages to Northwest Coast. After selling Juno to Russians in 1805, crew and furs sent to Canton, John D'Wolf travelled in small Russian vessel to Kamchatka then overland 5,500 miles to St. Petersburg. D'Wolf was Herman Melville's uncle and is mentioned in Moby-Dick and Redburn.

K

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
KatherineCatherineBazilla Worth (1st voyage), William Blanchard (3rd voyage)ship287 tons.United StatesBoardman and Pope (3rd voyage)1800 left Boston, 1801 on Northwest Coast; wintered in Hawaii; 1802 on Northwest Coast; late 1802 in Canton with cargo of 500 sea otter and 1,700 seal skins. 1803 in Boston. 1804 left Boston for Northwest Coast, no record of being on Northwest Coast but was in Canton in autumns of 1805 and 1806. Left Boston 1809; 1810 in California, Northwest Coast; 1811 in Sitka; 1812 active in California, then returned to Sitka, then sailed for Canton. Unknown if ship returned to Boston.1801-1802, maybe 1805, 1810-1812Possibly lost in 1812–1813.Built in Braintree in or shortly before 1800. Used in maritime fur trade and sealing. In 1811-1812 took some Russians and Aleut hunters with 50 baidarkas to California and returned them to Sitka, sharing profits with Baranoff of Russian-American Company. Also sold $10,000 worth of English textiles to RAC.
King GeorgeNathaniel Portlock320 tons, crew of 59.BritainKing George's Sound Company1786-87, Maritime Fur Trade in Pacific Northwest with Queen Charlotte under George DixonThird ship to visit Hawaii, in 1786; after the two ships under Cook, 1778.
KingfisherCapt. Stephensonsloopthree crew & captain massacred by Ahousaht Nuu-chah-nulth, 1864punitive expedition by HMS Sutlej and HMS Devastation destroys eight villages
Komagata Marusteam linerJapanblockade of East Indian immigration, Vancouver1914
KootenaisternwheelerJapanCPR construction1880sservice was from Northport, Washington to Farwell (Revelstoke, British Columbia)

L

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
La Flavie
La Solide
La PlataSpain
LabouchereJohn Swanson, W.A. Mouatpaddle steamerGreat BritainHudson's Bay Companysank off Point Reyes, California, on April 15, 1866, with the loss of two lives
Lady of the LakeSailNoneWilliam J. SmithOperated on Atlin Lake.by 1904 until 1908Retired in 1908.Built by 1904.
Lady of the LakeGreat BritainFraser Canyon Gold Rush, Douglas Road
Lady WashingtonWashingtonRobert Gray (to 1789), John Kendrick (1789-1794), Roger Simpson (1794-1795), Captain Reid (1796-?)sloop, refitted as brig90 tonsU.S.Consortium of Boston merchants. Kendrick after 1789 (apparently illegally); John Howel after Kendrick's death in 1794.1787 left Boston with Columbia; on Northwest Coast 1788, wintered at Nootka Sound; in July 1789 all furs of both vessels put on Columbia and Gray and Kendrick exchanged commands; Gray took Columbia to Canton and Boston while Kendrick assumed ownership of Lady Washington. In China 1790. In 1791 to Northwest Coast via Japan. In July 1791 Haida at Ninstints (Koyah's Harbor) tried to capture vessel in revenge for an earlier incident involving Kendrick. 1791–1796, several trips between Hawaii, Canton, and NW Coast, pioneering the Hawaii sandalwood trade. December 1794 Kendrick killed by a salute from the British Jackal. After 1796 operated between Canton and Batavia for Dutch agents.1788-1794foundered in the Philippines in 1797Consort of the Columbia Rediviva. First US ship known to clear from port for the Northwest Coast.
LaGrangeB.F. SnowBarque259 tons.United StatesSalem merchants.On Northwest Coast in 1834; then Hawaii and Canton with cargo of lumber and furs from NW Coast. At NW Coast and Hawaii 1836–1837. In 1849 took prospectors from Salem, Massachusetts, to California Gold Rush. Sold in California.1834, 1836Built in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. One of the last American maritime fur trade vessels on Northwest Coast, irritating Hudson's Bay Company. Crew of 11 men (in 1836). Salem owners memorialized vessel with full-rigged model now in Peabody Essex Museum.
150 tonsBritainHBCLaunched 1826, purchased by HBC 1831.Sold 1837.HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
LamaJohn Bancroftbrig145 tons.United StatesEliab Grimes (owner or "manager").Early career unclear; 1838, sailed between Hawaii and California. Late 1838 took crew of Kaigani Haida to hunt sea otters in California. Haida mutinied, Bancroft killed, Haida left ship and took furs north in their kayaks.1838Maritime fur trade. Adele Ogden wrote about the mutiny.
Lapwingprobably Andrew Blanchard (captain), William Blanchard (mate); then Russian captain and crew.Brig176 tons.United States, RussiaNathaniel Dorr, William Blanchard, and others. Sold in Russians in Sitka.1824 left Boston; 1825 at Sitka sold to Russians. July 1825 at Honolulu with Russian crew; February 1826 at Canton.1825Built in Scituate, Massachusetts in 1822. Maritime fur trade voyage 1824–1825. Sold to Russians who used vessel for fur trade.
LascarJames Harris (former first mate of Borneo)Brig217 tons.United StatesJohn Bryant, Lemuel Porter, William Sturgis, John Suter.1820 left Boston, 1821–24 on Northwest Coast, wintering in Hawaii; November 1824 in Hawaii; 1825 in Canton; August 1825 in Boston. Sold in 1825.1821-1824Built 1817 in Medford. 1820 maritime fur trade voyage. Repeatedly met Rob Roy, Mentor, Hamilton, and Arab at Haida Gwaii or coasts to north and east. Reports of cruelty by Captain Harris caused owners to have their "greatest lawyer" bring charges against him (result unknown).
Lelia ByrdWilliam ShalerBrig175 tons.United StatesWilliam Shaler (captain) and Richard J. Cleveland of Salem, Massachusetts.August 1803 sailed from Canton to Northwest Coast; 1804 on NW Coast; failed to cross Columbia Bar over 8 days of trying; visited California; 1805 in Hawaii.1804Registered in Portsmouth, Virginia. In 1805 sold to King Kamehameha in exchange for, in part, the smaller Hawaiian-built schooner Tamana.
survey ship
LittelerLittillar, Latitia, Little LarJonathan Dorrbrig110 tons.United States (Boston)John Dorr and Ebenezer Dorr Jr. of Boston1800 left Boston; 1801 on NW Coast; January 1802 in Canton; arrive at Boston July 1802.1801Built 1797 in Virginia. Made one maritime fur trade voyage 1800–1802.
LoriotCaptain Nye (1835). Captain Bancroft (1837). Lieut. Lieut. William A. Slacum.Schooner
brig after 1833
92 tons.U.S.Early career unclear; July 1833 sold in Oahu; 1835-1836 cruised between Hawaii, California, and NW Coast; 1836 tried to acquire Alaska Natives as contract hunters in California, boarded and driven from Alaska (Dall Island) by Imperial Russian Navy; 1837 on NW Coast, California, Hawaii.1836-1837Built 1828 in Plymouth for maritime fur trade. In 1835, crew of ten described as almost entirely Native Hawaiian plus American officers. In 1836 American Consul wrote to US Secretary of State John Forsyth to protest the Russian Navy forcing vessel from Dall Island, saying that Tattisky (Datzkoo Harbour) was not in Russian territory and that the act ruined the ship's venture.
LouisaWilliam Martain (formerly of the Hamilton); James Lambert (after 1829)ship222 tonsUnited States (Boston)October 1826 left Boston; 1827–28 on Northwest Coast, wintered on coast. Ownership changed in Hawaii, 1828 or 1829.1827-1828Maritime fur trade. Sailed with consort Active, Captain William Cotting. In 1828 Captain Martain wrote the owners that the Northwest trade was "ruined", with furs dwindling in quantity and quality, prices on coast rising while fur prices falling in Canton.
LucyJoseph Pierpont (formerly of the Sally, c. 1796)United StatesDorrOn Northwest Coast 1801; at Tattisky (south end Dall Island), May 1801; left for China, June 1801; Canton in November 1801; Boston return May 1802.1801Little known; spent apparently made just one maritime fur trade voyage.
Lummi 3Renfrew, FriendshipHorace Tattersol(s)Commercial476′11″CanadianEdward Pieters/Paula Matthei(s)Constructed by Lummi Bay Packers by George Wrang in 1919/Bellingham, WA/ San Diego, CA1919 - 1956Currently in San Diego, CA Constructed for transportation to BC and Alaskan canneries
Lydia (brig) (I)Samuel Hillbrig180 tons.United StatesTheodore Lyman, other Boston merchants.1804 left Boston for maritime fur trade; 1805 on Northwest Coast; July 1805 Nootka Sound, rescued John Jewitt and John Thompson (survivors of the Boston); cruised to Alaska, then to Columbia River where a letter left with natives by Lewis and Clark was taken and forwarded from Canton to Philadelphia; November 1806 at Canton; May 1807 back in Boston.1805-1806Two surviving supercargo logs describe Captain Hill as an unstable tyrant. In 1805 assisted Atahualpa after attack by Heiltsuk or Tsimshian at Milbanke Sound. Some logs and journals by members of Lydia and Atahualpa survive. May be the same brig as Lydia (II).
Lydia (II)Il’mena (renamed by Russians)Thomas Brown; James Bennett; Captain Wadsworth (after Russian purchase)brig90 tonsUnited States (Boston); RussiaJames & Thomas Handasyd PerkinsApril 1809 left Boston for maritime fur trade; 1810–13 on Northwest Coast, trading continuously; Fall 1813 fur cargo transferred to Atahualpa; late 1813 to Hawaii; sold with Atahualpa to Russians for 20,000 sealskins; 1814 left Sitka under Russian command to collect furs in California.1810-1814In 1810 rescued/ransomed survivors of Russian St. Nicholas which had wrecked in Makah territory in 1808. May be the same brig as Lydia (I) (tonnage possibly in error), or Lydia (III).
Lydia (schooner) (III)Captain Lucatt or Lacaat (1813); Henry Gyzelaar (1815)Schooner90 tonsU.S. (Philadelphia). Kingdom of HawaiiPhiladelphia China Traders Benjamin C. Wilcocks and James Smith Wilcocks. King Kaumualii after 1816.Early career unclear; 1813 arrived at Macau from NW Coast and Marquesas Islands; 1815 at Canton, leaving with cargo for Sitka; September 1815 at Sitka. In Sitka Captain Gyzelaar joined Captain William Smith of the Albatross for illegal venture to California coast; December 1815 left Sitka for California; January 1816 both Lydia and Albatross seized by Spanish and crews imprisoned but eventually released.1813, 1816May be the same vessel as Lydia (II). Involved in Maritime Fur Trade, California Hide Trade, sealing, and poaching. In 1816 sold with Albatross to kings of Hawaii.[24] Albatross went to Kamehameha I in March, 1816; Lydia to Kaumualii in October.

M

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
ManchesterJohn BriceShip285 tonsUnited StatesPhiladelphia merchantsOctober 1800 sailed from Bristol, Rhode Island for maritime fur trade; 1801–02 on Northwest Coast; 1802 to Canton, then sailed for Philadelphia.1801-1802At Nootka Sound, 1801, seven of the crew deserted only to be captured and killed by Nuu-chah-nulth of Chief Maquinna.
James Magee, David Lamb161 tons.United StatesJ. & T. Lamb, Thomas Handasyd Perkins, Russell Sturgis, James Magee, other Boston investors.Late 1791 left Boston; April 1792 arrived at Haida Gwaii, quickly collected about 1,200 sea otter pelts and left for China via Hawaii; December 1792 at Canton; 1793 return to Northwest Coast, with tender collected over 3,000 pelts; late 1793 sailed for Hawaii and China, then Boston; 1794 in Boston; sold to new owners, wrecked soon after.1792-1793Wrecked near Marblehead, Massachusetts, c. 1795.Built in Boston, 1791. Among the earliest US maritime fur trade ventures. Party left at Nootka Sound over winter of 1792–93, finished building a smaller tender by the time Margaret returned. James Magee brought a large collection of Northwest Coast "curiosities" to Boston, most now in Peabody Museum.
William Alexander Mouat
MaryWilliam Bowles (died at sea), J. Gray (1st voyage); E. Prescott (2nd voyage)Ship209 tons.United StatesJ. Gray (1st voyage); Samuel and Sylvanus Gray (2nd voyage)July 1802 left New England; 1803 on Northwest Coast; March 1803 unsuccessfully tried, with Juno, to rescue survivors of Boston at Nootka Sound; Nov 1803 at Canton; May 1804 back in New England. In 1805 on Northwest Coast, cruising between Sitka and Vancouver Island; December 1805 in Canton; 1806 left for Boston, wrecked en route.1803, 1805Wrecked in 1806 on voyage from Canton to Boston.Built in Salem, 1801. Two maritime fur trade voyages.
April 11, 1842 Built under the name 'Brisies'[Cooper] [William Alexander Mouat]Brig later converted to Brigantine at Robinson's ship yard Honolulu14812 feetBritish1)Captain Robert Hatson Dare, 2)Hudson's Bay Company,3) John Pratt & CoMay 7, 1842 resurveyed at London renamed 'Mary Dare'. December 16, 1857 "The MARY DARE of Wivenhoe, [Captain] Taylor, from Seaham to London with coals, was in contact off Huntcliffe Fort yesterday morning with the ADONIS, [Captain] Goodwin, from London to Hartlepool, had her foremast carried away and shortly after went down;
USS MassachusettsLt. Richard W. Meadescrew steamer7654.6 m (15 ft)USUS NavyPuget Sound War1855-1856gutted of engines and converted to a bark used as a storeship, and renamed Farallones, in 1863. Sold off in 1867.One crewman was the first US sailor to die in action in the Pacific Northwest
Douglas Road, Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, Lillooet Lake
McConnellsternwheeler, two 16ʺ x 72ʺ cyl.729Canada #107152Canadian Pacific Ry. (1898-1901);White Pass & Yukon Route (1901)Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River in 1898.1898 onlyBroken up in 1901. Hull sold to Adair Bros.Built in 1898 by the C.P. Ry. at Vancouver, B.C. Not used under W.P.&Y.R. ownership.
Capt. Pamphlet schooner Took loggers and oxen to log at Port Neville, B.C. Transported coal between Nanaimo, BC and Victoria. 1864, 1865 [25]
MentorJohn Suter (1st voyage), Lemuel Porter (2nd voyage), George Newell (3rd voyage), Stephen Hersey (end of 3rd voyage)Ship213 tons.USJohn Bryant, William Sturgis, John Suter (1st voyage), Lemuel Porter (2nd voyage).1817-18 on Northwest Coast; 1819 in Canton (via Hawaii); 1819 return to Boston with over 2,000 chests of tea and other Chinese goods. Sept 1819 left Boston; 1820–21 on Northwest Coast mostly around Haida Gwaii, wintered on coast. August 1821 sailed for Hawaii and Canton; May 1822 in Boston. June 1822 left Boston with plan to coordinate with Lascar, Rob Roy, and Ann; 1823 at Hawaii, then on Northwest Coast, then Honolulu. Sept 1823 sailed to California, sold remaining goods to Russians at Bodega Bay; 1823-25 two trips between California and Canton1820-1825Built in Salem, 1812, for maritime fur trade. Three voyages to Northwest Coast. Pioneered California Trade for Bryant & Sturgis. In 1825 Captain Newell left to command the Nile; Captain Hersey took Mentor, whose vessel, Ann was sold to Russians in California. In April 1825 stopped at Saint Helena to quell a mutiny on board.
MercurySee Gustavus III (ship), also spelled Gustaf IIIJohn Henry Cox, Thomas Barnettbrig or snow; 16 guns.152 tons.[26] Britain (also sailed under Sweden and US flags)John Henry CoxTwo or three visits to Northwest Coast, first in 1789, then in 1791-92 under Swedish flag. During Russo-Swedish War (1788–1790) Cox offered Sweden service as a privateer, receiving royal charter and renaming vessel to Gustavus III. Approached Unalaska in 1789, instead was friendly, traded on NW Coast, then sailed to Saipan and Canton. Cox died in 1791 at Canton.[27] 1789, 1791–92Later Gustavus III under Swedish flag. 16-guns.
Mercury (I)William Barnett, Mr. GardinBrigantine or snow81 tons, under 60 feet in length.United StatesJohn Francis and John Brown of Providence, Rhode Island.1795 arrived at Nootka Sound, Northwest Coast, via Falkland Islands, Australia, and Hawaii. Many crewmen deserted in Hawaii; Captain Barnett took crew of Native Hawaiians by force. Late 1795 sailed to Canton, returning Hawaiians en route.1795Built in Providence, Rhode Island, 1785. Made one maritime fur trade voyage. At some point Captain Barnett was killed and Mr. Gardin, supercargo, took command.
Mercury (merchant ship) (II)William Heath Davis (father of William Heath Davis Jr.), George Washington Eayrs (or Ayres)Ship145 tons.United StatesBoston merchantsIn 1806 sailed from Boston to Northwest Coast. Summer 1806 encountered Boston vessels Pearl and Peacock in Hecate Strait. 1806-07 cruised California coast; late 1807 at Canton; 1808 returned to NW Coast via Kodiak Island, cruised to San Francisco via Haida Gwaii and Columbia River. Cruised California waters, 1808–9. June 1809 to 1813 repeatedly sailed between California and Alaska. In Canton, early 1811, Eayrs sold furs of his own and on behalf of Governor Baranov. On 2 June 1813 seized by Spanish near Monterey, California as a privateer.1806-1813Made one of the most prolonged voyages of the maritime fur trade. In 1808 transported Kodiak Alutiiq hunters, 25 baidarkas, and RAC overseer Shvetsov from Kodiak to California, along with some natives kidnapped on Vancouver Island or Olympic Peninsula. Eayrs and crew arrested by Spanish in 1813.
MexicanaCayetano Valdés y Floresgoleta (schooner and brig)46 foot long (43 foot on the keel), 12feet beam, 33 "toneladas" burden, complement of 21 menSpainSpanish NavyBuilt 1791 in San Blas. Explores Vancouver Island 1792.Sister ship of Sutil
Monosternwheeler, two 10ʺ x 74ʺ cyl.278Canada #107102Teslin Transportation Co.Operated on the Stikine River in 1898.1898Destroyed by fire (arson) near Dawson City, Yukon in 1902.Built in 1898 by Frank P. Armstrong and A. F. Henderson on the Stikine River.
Mount RoyalSB JohnsonsternwheelerCanadaHudson's Bay CompanyBuilt Albion Iron Works (VMD) Victoria1902-1907Wrecked in Kitselas Canyon, six lives lost
SS MoyiesternwwheelerCanadaCanadian Pacific Railway and in 1957, Kootenay Lake Historical Societyafter a nearly 60-year career, was the last passenger sternwheeler to operate in Canadalaunched October 22, 1898. taken out of service April 27, 1957berthed and restored at Kaslo, now a National historic siteWorld's oldest surviving intact passenger sternwheeler
Collins Overland Telegraph

N

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
MV NechaccoChilcoJohn Bonser George RitchiesternwheelerGross 129 Registered 76CanadaFort George Lumber and Navigation Companylaunched May 25, 1909, at QuesnelTore apart in ice jam at Cottonwood Canyon April 1911First sternwheeler to navigate the Grand Canyon of the Fraser
NellieSail5Canada #107638Thomas H. WorsnopOperated on Atlin Lake.1898-191_Registry closed in 1916.Built in 1898 at Seattle, Washington.
Ship, 10 guns, 26 men253 tons.BritainHBCLaunched 1821, purchased by HBC 1833.Sold 1840.HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
New Hazard (ship)David Nye281 tons.United StatesJohn Derby and consortium of Massachusetts merchantsLeft Boston 1810; 1811–1812 on Northwest Coast; Sept 1812 to Hawaii and Canton. Returned to New England via Hawaii, 1813, evading British naval forces involved in War of 1812.1811-1812Wrecked on Galloper Sands on English coast in 1817.Built 1809 in Newburyport for maritime fur trade. Sister ship of the Packet. Captain Nye known for being vicious, flogging men, slaving, attacking native communities, etc.
NootkaJohn Mearessnow[28] 200 tons, crew of 50BritainBengal Fur Company (John Henry Cox, Meares and others)1786, sailed from Calcutta to Alaska. Wintered Prince William Sound, trapped in ice; 23 men die. May 1787, rescued by George Dixon of the Queen Charlotte. October 1787, arrived at Macau.1786-1787Sailed without licences from the East India Company and South Sea Company. Consort of the Sea Otter under Captain Tipping; sometimes sailed together.
Norgold35 H.P. gasoline-screw6NoneNorgold Mines, Ltd. (1934-1935);Bobjo Mines (1935-1937); White Pass & Yukon Route (1937-1952); A. E. Prince (1952-19__); Canadian Park Service (19__-present)Operated on Tagish Lake, 1934–1937. Operated on Atlin Lake, 1937–1950.1934-1950Hull is hopelessly rotted.Built in 1934 by Boeing Aircraft of Canada, Ltd. at Vancouver, B.C.
Norman Morrison
North West AmericaRobert FunterAbout 40-50 tonsBritainJohn Meares and partnersFirst non-indigenous ship built in Pacific Northwest; captured by Spain during Nootka Crisis, renamed Santa Gertrudis la Magna and later Santa SaturninaLaunched September 20, 1788

O

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
O'CainJoseph O'Cain (1st voyage), Jonathan Winship Jr. (2nd & 3rd voyages), Robert McNeill (c. 1816)280 tonsUnited StatesWinship family of Brighton, Massachusetts1803 at Kodiak Island, made deal with RAC Governor Baranov, transported 40 Aleuts, 20 baidarkas, and RAC overseer Shvetsov to California. June 1804 in Sitka; Dec 1804 in Canton; Boston in 1805. In 1806 at Sitka, took over 120 Aleuts and 75 baidarkas to California; 1807 at Sitka; 1808 in Canton, then Boston. Late 1809 in Sitka, then Haida Gwaii, then again took Aleuts to California. 1812-1816 several trips between California, Canton, Hawaii, and NW Coast. Late 1816 in Canton; 1817 in Boston. Made at least one more voyage to NW Coast.1803-1804, 1806–1807, 1809–1816Sank off Cape Horn, with no survivors, probably in 1822.Captain O'Cain pioneered the practice of bringing native labor from Alaska to California to hunt sea otters (despite Spanish prohibition). Made several maritime fur trade voyages. Stayed in Pacific during War of 1812 to avoid Royal Navy.
Ogilviesternwheeler, two 16ʺ x 72ʺ cyl.742Canada #107148Canadian Pacific Ry. (1898-1901);White Pass & Yukon Route (1901)Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River in 1898.1898 onlyBroken up in 1901. Hull sold to Adair Bros.Built in 1898 by the C.P. Ry. Not used under W.P.&Y.R. ownership.
Ominecasternwheeler, two 16ʺ x 72ʺ cyl.583Canada #126248Foley, Welch and Stewart (1909-1916);Alaskan Engineering Commission (from 1916)Used on the Skeena River for construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Ry. (1909-1914);used on the Susitna River and the Cook Inlet to ship supplies for construction of The Alaska Railroad (1916-1917)1909-1916between 1923 & 1930Built in 1909 at Victoria, B.C. by Alexander Watson Jr. Retired at the end of 1917.
MV OperatorCon Myerssternwheelergross 698 registered 439CanadaFoley, Welch and StewartLaunched on Skeena River in 1909, Fraser River in 1912Retired at Fort GeorgeWorked on both GTP and PGE rail construction
Orcasitassee
Orelsee Chernui OrelRussia
OrizabaSpain
U.S.Sinking of wrecked on Cape Beale
Otter William Alexander MouatUnited KingdomBritainHBC
Otter (I)Ebenezer Dorr168 tonsUnited StatesDorr familyAugust 1795 left Boston; early 1796 at Sydney, Australia, took Thomas Muir and other escaped political prisoners on board. In 1796 cruised Northwest Coast. Late 1796 in California. 1797 in Hawaii, then Canton. December 1797 at Portland, Maine. Sold to new owners.1796Captured by French and lost in 1798.Built in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Maritime fur trade. In October 1796 Dorr begged Spanish Governor of California for supplies, especially food, which was given. Against Spanish wishes Dorr left ten of his crew and an Australian woman in California.
Otter (II)Samuel Hillbrig238 tonsUnited StatesIn 1809 sailed to Hawaii, then to Northwest Coast, trading until 1811, then to Canton and back to Boston. Captain Hill incited several violent conflicts. One with the Russian captain Benzemann of Juno and some Haida and Aleuts. Another in a battle with the Chilkat Tlingit, during which 2nd mate Robert Kemp was killed.[29] 1809–1811Built in Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1806. Armed with ten cannon. Maritime fur trade.
Owhyhee William Henry McNeill, Eliab (or Eliah) Grimes, John Kelly, John DominisBrig166 tons, 96 feet in length.USJosiah Marshall & Dixey Wildes, Boston1821 in Hawaii; 1822 on Northwest Coast, in December in Hawaii with only 150 furs; 1823 to California; late 1823 left Monterey for NW Coast, trading through winter; July 1824 at Haida Gwaii; 1826 sailed between Hawaii and California. January 1827 in Oahu, then northern NW Coast, Columbia River, Bodega Bay, return to Hawaii, then to Canton. In 1828 returned to Boston. 1829–1830 on NW Coast, then Hawaii and direct to Boston, arriving 1831.1822-1830Built in Boston in 1821 for Maritime Fur Trade. Otter trade dwindling, explored diversification; brought cargo of pickled Pacific salmon to Boston. Native oral tradition near Fort Vancouver says the Owhyhee and Convoy brought the fever sickness of the 1829-1830 winter.

P

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
U.S.collision with off Cape Flatterysunk, 300 or more lost, 2 survivors
PacketDaniel C. Bacon281 tonsUnited StatesJohn Derby and consortium of Salem merchants.1812-1813 on Northwest Coast, often at Haida Gwaii. November 1814 sailed for Hawaii and Canton. January 1816 in Boston.1812-1814Built at Newbury in 1810. Sister ship of New Hazard. Made one Maritime fur trade voyage; afterward switched to Indonesian spice trade.
Palerma
PantherIsaiah LewisBrig429 tonsUnited StatesSalem merchants1815 left Boston; 1816 in Hawaii, then Sitka; cruised Northwest Coast until fall 1817, then Canton; 1818 in Boston.1816-1817
PeacockOliver KimballBrig108 tonsUnited States1806 arrive in California via Hawaii; constantly pursued by Spanish, four crew arrested; October 1806 at Sitka; contracted with RAC Governor Baranov to transport Aleut hunters to California; 1807 at Bodega Bay; late 1807 return to Sitka, then to Canton.1806-1807Badly damaged in severe gale when sailing from China to Boston in 1808. Vessel condemned and sold at Batavia, Dutch East Indies, March 1, 1808.Maritime fur trade
Pearl (I)John Ebbets (1st voyage), John Suter (2nd voyage)200 tonsUnited StatesBoston firms: J. & T. Lamb (1st voyage), J. & T.H. Perkins (2nd voyage)April 1805 at Nahwitti, Vancouver Island; cruised NW Coast until August 1806, then to Hawaii, Canton, and Boston. 1807 left Boston; 1808–1809 on NW Coast. December 1809 at Macau and Canton; 1810 returned to Boston.1805-1806, 1808-1809Made two maritime fur trade voyages. Second voyage brought 6,000 sea otter pelts to Macau, the largest cargo recorded for any voyage.
Pearl (II)Samuel Chandler, Mr. StevensbrigUnited StatesBoston merchants1822 left Boston for Hawaii, then Sitka. On Northwest Coast about a month before being ordered to leave by Russians. Returned to Hawaii, where Stevens wrote to American Consul John C. Jones, who wrote to Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. In 1823 sailed back to Boston.1822Maritime fur trade voyage. Was the only ship ordered off NW Coast due to Russian Ukase of 1821.
Pedler (ship)PedlarGeorge Clark, Samuel Northrup, John MeekBrig224 tonsUnited StatesOliver Keating, Jonathan Amory, Thomas C. Amory, consortium of merchants. Sold to John Jacob Astor in 1814.1811 sailed to Northwest Coast; 1812-1814 cruised coast between Vancouver Island and Aleutian Islands. Early 1814, in Hawaii, sold to Pacific Fur Company (PFC). Sailed to Fort Astoria, was taking cargo to Sitka, Alaska when PFC collapsed. Took goods from Sitka to California for Fort Ross. Captured by Spanish in California, ordered to leave. Early 1815 in Sitka. July 1816 seized by Russians for illegal trading, released in October. Sailed to Hawaii, Canton, Europe; October 1816 in New York City. 1819 sailed for NW Coast. 1820 in Hawaii, then Sitka; wintered in Hawaii; 1821 cruised NW Coast between Nahwitti and Haida Gwaii. August, left for Hawaii and Canton. 1822 on NW Coast again, then Hawaii and Canton; 1823 in New York.1812-1815, 1820-1822Built 1806 in Medford, Massachusetts. Maritime fur trade voyages. Sold in early 1814, in Hawaii, to Wilson Price Hunt for John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company, for use as a supply vessel for Fort Astoria. Hunt sailed with Pedlar 1814–1816. Pedlar seized by Spanish for illegal trading in California; seized by Russians for illegally selling munitions to Alaska Natives.
PhoenixHugh Moore (2nd voyage)barqueTwo voyages to PNW; wintered in Columbia River 1794–95; in 1795 to Haida Gwaii and Nootka; later seen in Hawaii by John Boit.1792 (1st voyage), 1794-1795 (2nd voyage)Phoenix, although of Bengal,[30] was not an East Indiaman
PollyThomas KilbySnow107 tonsUnited StatesAbiel Winship and other Boston merchants.1800 left Boston; 1801 on Northwest Coast, cruising between Dall Island, Haida Gwaii, and Nass River. June 1801 to Hawaii and Canton; back in Boston, May 1802.1801Maritime fur trade voyage.
Prince Lee BooCaptain Sharp, Robert Gordonsloop56BritainPriestlyMaritime Fur Trader in 1790sPart of the "Butterworth squadron", including Butterworth and Jackall. Served as tender to Butterworth
Prince of WalesJames Colnett, James Johnstone171 tons, complement of 35 men, carried 14 cannonsKing George's Sound Company and joint company with John Meares and partnersMaritime Fur Trade in the Pacific Northwest, late 1780s and early 1790sLaunched about 1752Crew included Archibald Menzies[31]
SS Prince of WalesFraser Canyon Gold Rush, Douglas Road, Lillooet Lake
SS Prince Rupert8 feet 6 inches (2.59 m)GTPCoastal passenger service, use as hospital ship1910-1956decommissionedmarooned on Ripple Rock in 1927 in near-disaster
PrincesaBodega y Quadra, Esteban José Martínez, Salvador Fidalgo, Jacinto Caamaño, otherscorvette189 tons burthenSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San Blas1779, sailed to Alaska under Bodega y Quadra. 1788, sailed to Alaska under Martínez. 1792 used to occupy Neah Bay.late 18th and early 19th centuriesOne of the primary warships of Spain's San Blas Naval Department. Heavily used for exploration of Pacific Northwest and supply of Alta California
Princesa RealBritain, SpainKing George's Sound Company, Spanish Navy Dept. of San BlasLloyd's Register, 1789, lists as a sloop of 60 tons (Old Measure), Class A1, Copper sheathed, single deck with beams, draft 8 ft. when laden, owners Etches & Co.[32]
SS Princess Sophia2,320 tonsCanadian Pacific1918
1.William Bligh, 2.William R. Broughtonsixth rate frigate420 tonsBritainRoyal Navysecond breadfruit expedition to Tahiti under Capt.William Bligh 1791–1793;exploration and survey of East Asia under Ltd. William R. Broughton 1795-17971791 - 1797wrecked 1797 southwest of Okinawa

Q

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
Queen CharlotteGeorge Dixon200 tons, crew of 33.BritainKing George's Sound Company1786-87, maritime fur trading in Pacific Northwest with King George under Nathaniel Portlock. Fourth ship to visit Hawaii, May 1786.[33] late 1780snamesake of Queen Charlotte Islands
MV QuesnelCity of QuesnelDonald Arthur FostersternwheelerGross 130 Registered 177CanadaTelesphore Marion Launched in May 1909 at QuesnelWrecked at Fort George Canyon May 1921Last sternwheeler on upper Fraser River

R

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
ResolutionMr. BurlingSchooner90 tonsUSCaptain Josiah Roberts of the Jefferson, other Boston investorsMay 1793 arrived on Northwest Coast; cruised with Jefferson between Columbia River and Clayoquot Sound. March 1794 separated from Jefferson to collect furs. In late 1794 captured by Haida in Haida Gwaii, all crew killed save one.1794Captured and destroyed by Cumshewa Haida at Cumshewa Inlet, 1794Built 1793 in Marquesas Islands as tender for maritime fur trade vessel Jefferson. Crew killed in Haida Gwaii included Solomon Kendrick, son of John Kendrick. The lone survivor was rescued by the Despatch.
Rob RoyDaniel Crossbrig201 tonsUnited StatesJohn Bryant and William Sturgis, Lemuel Porter, John Suter.1821 sailed from Boston to Northwest Coast via Hawaii; 1822 at Haida Gwaii; 1822-24 cruised NW Coast. 1824 in Hawaii, transferred furs to Mentor, then returned to NW Coast for 1825 season. Late 1825 to Hawaii and Canton. Returned to Boston; sold in 1827.1822-1825Lost off California coast, 4 November 1830.Built 1821 in Boston for maritime fur trade.
MV Robert C HammondsternwheelerGross 250 Registered 158CanadaFort George Lake and River Transportation CompanyLaunched on May 22, 1913, at Central Fort GeorgeRetired 1914
RoverGeorge DavidsonSchoonerUnited StatesDorr family, Boston1799 left Boston; 1800 on Northwest Coast, collected 2,000 sea otter pelts. 1801 in Hawaii, then lost at sea en route to Canton.1800On 9 October 1801, lost at sea while sailing from Hawaii to Canton, China.Maritime fur trade. Built in Georgetown, Massachusetts. Captain Davidson had sailed with Robert Gray on 2nd voyage of Columbia Rediviva.
Ruby (merchant ship)Charles BishopShip101UKSidenham TeastSailed from Bristol, England, in 1794; reached PNW in 1795, visiting Columbia River, Clayoquot Sound, Cloak Bay, and elsewhere.[34] 1795Maritime fur trade. Armed with Eight 3-pound cannons, six half-pound swivel guns.
Ruthsternwheeler, two 5ʺ x 20ʺ cyl.52Canada #107518John Irving (1898-1899);Northern Lakes & Rivers Navigation Co. (1899-1900); Atlin Transportation Co. (1900-1902)Operated on Tagish Lake, 1898–1899. Operated on Atlin Lake, 1900–1902.1898-1902Destroyed by fire on Atlin Lake in 1902.Built in 1898 by James H. Calvert at Bennett, B.C.

S

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
St. RochHenry LarsenCanadaRCMPFirst voyage through Northwest Passage
San CarlosGonzalo López de Haro, Salvador Fidalgo, Francisco de Eliza, otherspacket ship and storeship72 foot long (keel), 22feet beam, 15feet draft, 16 four-pound cannonsSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San BlasReached Unalaska in 1788, under Haro.late 18th to early 19th centuriesCarried a 28feet longboat. Also used in discovery of San Francisco Bay by Juan de Ayala. There were two packet ships named San Carlos operating out of San Blas, but not simultaneously.
Santa Gertrudis la MagnaSanta GertrudisJosé María NarváezAbout 40-50 tonsSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San BlasWas the North West America, captured during Nootka Crisis and renamedBuilt 1788, captured by Spain in 1789, rebuilt in 1790 as Santa Saturnina
Santa SaturninaLa Orcasitas, HorcasitasJosé María Narváez, Juan Carrascoschooner32 tonales burden32 foot 10 inch length, 11feet beam, 5feet draft, 4 three-pound cannons. Carried 8 two-man oars and 20 days supply of food, complement of 22 men.SpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San BlasBuilt in 1790 from the disassembled Santa Gertrudis1790-9136 feet long; beam of 12 feet; "drawing 5 feet of water"; equipped with 8 oars
Santa SaturninaAlonso de Torres"large warship"SpainSpanish NavyTransferred from Peru to San Blas and Pacific Northwest in 1792Crew in 1792 included naturalist José Moziño, who observed the Nuu-chah-nulth and recommended Spanish abandonment of Nootka Sound
SantiagoJuan Pérez, Bruno de Heceta, Bodega y QuadraSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San Blas1774, under Pérez, sailed to Pacific Northwest; 1775, under Heceta, found mouth of Columbia River
USS Saranacsloop of war (sail and sidewheel)1463 depth of hold 26feet; draft 17 ft 4 in (max.)United StatesUS Navyfirst steam vessel to fall prey to Ripple Rock, June 18, 1875
ScotiaE. W. Spencer (1899); John McDonald (1911)stern-wheeler, two 7½ʺ x 20ʺ cyl.214 (100, 1898–1901)Canada #107829White Pass & Yukon Route (John Irving Nav. Co., 1898 only)Operated on Atlin Lake, 1898–1917.1898-1967Demolished by fire, 1967.Built by John Irving Navigation Co.
namesake of Sea Bird Island near Agassiz
Sea OtterHarmon[35] James Hanna[36] brig60 tons, crew of 30BritainJohn Henry Cox and "friends connected with the East India CompanyConducted the first purely commercial Maritime Fur Trade voyage between the Pacific Northwest and China; first British ship to visit the Northwest Coast since Captain Cook.1785Hanna's two voyages were on different ships but both were named Sea Otter.
Sea Otter (II)James Hannasnow120 tons, or 100 tons.BritainUnder Hanna, sailed from Macau to Nootka Sound and explored Queen Charlotte Sound and Clayoquot Sound; returned to China in early 1787.1786-1787Hanna's two voyages were on different ships but both were named Sea Otter.
Sea Otter (III)William Tippingsnow100 tonsBritainBengal Fur Company (John Henry Cox, Meares and others)Sailed from Calcutta, March 1786, surveyed coast of Japan, then went to Northwest Coast.1786Foundered during a storm in the Gulf of Alaska, 1786.Consort of Nootka under Meares; sometimes sailed together. Not the same vessel as either Sea Otter previously under Hanna.[37]
Sea Otter (IV)FairyStephen Hills (or Hill), William BowlesSnow or brigUnited Kingdom, United StatesBritish owners, sold to Boston merchants James Magee, James Lamb, Russell Sturgis, Stephen Hills.1792 in Canton, chartered by Captains Ingraham, Rogers, and Collidge to carry furs to Boston. 1794 in Canton, possibly after cruising Northwest Coast for British owners. 1795, sold to Boston owners, renamed Sea Otter, sailed to Boston. 1796–97 on Northwest Coast. Late 1796 in Canton; arrived in Boston July 1798.1794? 1796-1797Was British Fairy of Calcutta. Made several maritime fur trade voyages. In 1796 Captain Hills, Mr. Elliot (supercargo), and two sailors killed by Haida at Cumshewa. Officer James Rowan was later master of Eliza and captured the killers and arranged their execution. In Canton, 1797, sold furs for over $47,000; to Boston with various Chinese goods including 50,000 pounds of tea, 7,000 nankeen pieces, 100 sets of China ceramics, 300 tea sets, etc. Made a profit of ten times the original investment.
SkeenaMagar 1909-1911 Charles Seymour 1914-1925sternwheelerCanadaGrand Trunk Pacific Railway 1908-1914 Charles Seymour 1914-1925Last sternwheeler on lower Fraser RiverLaunched in 1909,sold and converted to barge in 1925Delivered meat for Pat Burns
MV SkuzzyAusbury Insley and SR SmithsternwheelerCanadaTook 16 days to navigate 16miles of Fraser River from Hells Gate Canyon to Boston BarLaunched on May 4, 1882, at SpuzzumFirst sternwheeler to arrive in Lytton
SonoraJuan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, Juan Manuel de Ayala (briefly)schooner37feet in length.SpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San Blas1775, sailed to Alaska1775Crew complement of 16.
U.S.Inside Passage & passenger disaster during Klondike Gold Rushsunk in Lynn Canal
SultanCaleb Reynolds (1st voyage), George Clark (2nd voyage), Captain Allen (3rd voyage)Ship274 tonsU.S.Boardman & Pope, Boston1815 left Boston; 1816 arrived at Sitka, cruised Northwest Coast; 1817 to Hawaii, Marquesas, Sitka and California; 1818 to Chile and Marquesas; 1819 at Canton, then Boston. 1821 left Boston; 1822–23 on NW Coast. Late 1823 at Hawaii, then California and Mexico; 1824 at Hawaii then Canton; 1825 return to Boston. A third voyage visited Hawaii and possibly NW Coast.1816-1817, 1822–1823, maybe 1826Built 1815 at Charlestown, Boston. Made 2 or 3 maritime fur trade voyages to NW Coast.
Sumatra
SutilDionisio Alcalá Galianogoleta (brig)46 foot long (43 foot on the keel), 12feet beam, 33 "toneladas" burden, complement of 20 menSpainSpanish Navy Dept. of San BlasBuilt 1791 in San BlasSister ship of Mexicana

T

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
TagishAlcohol vapor screwNoneNorth-West Mounted Police (1899-1904);Royal Canadian Mounted Police (1904-1910); British Columbia Government (1908-19__)Operated on Atlin Lake.1899-19__After 1908.Built in 1899 by Marine Vapor Engine Co. at Jersey City, New Jersey.
TamaahmaahCaptain John Ebbets, John Meek (master)Brig210 tonsUnited States, Kingdom of HawaiiJohn Jacob Astor, W. Roberts, and Captain John Ebbets.1824 sailed from New York to Honolulu. Late 1824 to Sitka; 1825 cruised south from Sitka to San Francisco; 1826 in Hawaii. February 1828 sold to King Kamehameha III.1824-1825Built in New York City, 1824. Named after Kamehameha II or Kamehameha III. Made one maritime fur trade voyage.
TarahneCharles Coghlan (1919)180 H.P. gasoline-screw (80 H.P. 1917–1928)286 (177, 1917–1928)Canada #138539White Pass & Yukon RouteOperated on Atlin Lake, 1917–1936.1917–presentOn display at Atlin, B.C.Built by Cousins Bros.
MV Taseco
TepicSpain
ThaddeusAndrew BlanchardBrig241 tonsUnited States, Boston1819 left Boston; 1820 arrived in Hawaii with missionaries, then to Sitka; 1820 cruised Northwest Coast south from Sitka. Late 1820 returned to Hawaii and sold.1820Made one maritime fur trade voyage. Brought the first missionaries to the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1820.
Brought the second detachment of Royal Engineers to British Columbia in spring, 1959
Three BrothersAlder1792-93Consort of Prince William Henry
MV T'lagunna CanadaBC DoH
TonquinEdmund Fanning, Jonathan ThornBarque269 or 290 tonsU.S.John Jacob Astor (American Fur Company)September 1810 left New York for Hawaii. March 1811 at mouth of Columbia River. Began construction of Fort Astoria. June 1811 sailed north to Clayoquot Sound; captured by Nuu-chah-nulth of Chief Wickaninnish; one survivor detonated the ship's powder magazine.1811Blown up/scuttled in Clayoquot SoundBuilt 1807 in New York City.

U

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
Ulysses (merchant ship)David Lamb163 tonsUnited StatesDavid Lamb and other Boston investors1798 left Boston; 1799 on Northwest Coast. In 1799 officers mutinied against Captain Lamb. At Kaigani agreement was made: Lamb resume control and officers exchanged with ships Eliza and Despatch. William F. Sturgis became first mate of Ulysses. Late 1799 at Canton, then sailed for Boston. Damaged in storm near Saint Helena.1799Condemned in April 1800 at Saint Helena after being dismasted in a storm.Built in Amesbury, Massachusetts, 1794. Made one maritime fur trade voyage.
VentureJohn C. Ainsworthpaddle steamerUnited StatesJohn C. Ainsworth (1/3 owner)Fraser & Cariboo Gold RushIn 1858, the steamer Venture, on her maiden voyage, drifted over the Columbia River's Upper Cascades, a rough section that steamboats could not navigate. It wrecked. After being hauled out and repaired, the steamer was renamed Umatilla.Maiden voyage 1858
UnionJohn Boitsloop94 tons, 65 feet long.United StatesCrowell Hatch and two other Boston investors1794 left Newport, Rhode Island. 1795 cruised Northwest Coast between Haida Gwaii and Tillamook Bay. Late 1795 sailed to Hawaii and Canton; 1796 returned to Boston and sold. In 1795 attacked by Haida at Ninstints. Chief Koyah killed.1795Built at Somerset, Massachusetts. Boit's log published as Log of the Union: John Boit's Remarkable Voyage to the Northwest Coast and Around the World.[38]

V

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
Vancouver Andrew Cook MottBarque, 6 guns, 24 men324BritainHBCLaunched 1838. First to sail directly London-Victoria, 1845Lost 1848.HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade.
VancouverThomas Brown (1st and 2nd voyages), Isaac Whittemore (3rd voyage)235 tonsUSTheodore Lyman and associates (1st and 2nd voyages), J. & T. Lamb, James & Thomas H. Perkins, and Russell Sturgis (3rd voyage)1802-1803 cruised Northwest Coast; late 1803 in Canton; June 1804 in Boston. August 1804 left Boston; 1805–1806 on Northwest Coast. Assisted Atahualpa after an attack. Late 1806 in Canton; May 1807 in Boston. 1808–1809 on Northwest Coast, then Canton; 1810 returned to Boston and sold.1802-1803, 1805-1806Built 1801 at Kennebunk, Maine. Made three maritime fur trade voyages.
VenusWilliam Hervey, Henry Shepherd or Shepardbrigantine110 tons, crew of 22 men, "mostly negros of Julu", i.e., Sulu.BritainAt Nootka Sound during Vancouver-Bodega negotiations1792Sailed with Barkley's Halcyon. Crew of 22, "mostly black"[39] Trading out of Bengal.
VictoriaCharles BrewerSchoonerUSWilliam French, Honolulu.Maritime Fur Trade1832
MV VictoriaJW Doane and Thomas WrightsternwheelerCanadaG.B. WrightBuilt at Quesnel in 1868Berthed at Alexandria 1886
Volunteer (ship)James Bennett, Seth Barker, Charles Taylor226 tonsUnited StatesGeorge W. Lyman and firm of Boardman and Pope. Later Bryant & Sturgis.1817 left Boston; 1818 at Hawaii, then Nahwitti, Vancouver Island. 1818-1820 cruised Northwest Coast, mainly between Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. In 1819, with Brutus, rescued crew of wrecked Borneo. Late 1820 to Hawaii and Canton; 1821 in Boston. 1824–1829 on NW Coast with visits to Hawaii.1818-1820, 1824-1829Built 1815 at Stonington, Connecticut. Made several maritime fur trade voyages. Experienced two mutinies in 1818. Cooperated with Brutus, entered fur-sharing agreements with Hamilton, Ann, Mentor, and Thaddeus.

W

ShipOther namesCaptain(s)TypeTons Draft Registry (flag)Owner(s) Events/locationsDates in BCDemise Comments
WashingtonCaptain StevensSchooner122 tonsUnited StatesJosiah Marshall, Boston1824 sailed from Hawaii to California, cooperating with Owhyhee, and might have visited Northwest Coast. 1827 in New York City. 1828 in Hawaii, then Sitka, Alaska and south to California.1824? 1828Built in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
161 tons[40] BritainHBCLaunched 1818, purchased by HBC 18241824-1829Lost 1829HBC ship used for the PNW coast trade

See also

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Tovell, Freeman M. . At the Far Reaches of Empire: The Life of Juan Francisco De La Bodega Y Quadra . University of British Columbia Press . 2008 . 978-0-7748-1367-9 . 182, 297.
  2. Book: Malloy, Mary. "Boston Men" on the Northwest Coast: The American Maritime Fur Trade 1788-1844. 22 August 2017. 1998. Limestone Press. 978-1-895901-18-4.
  3. http://pages.quicksilver.net.nz/jcr/~vships.html Ships on the Northwest Coast
  4. At the Far Reaches of Empire, p. 144
  5. Otter Skins, Boston Ships, and China Goods, pp. 181, 299-310
  6. Book: Gibson, James R. . Otter Skins, Boston Ships, and China Goods: The Maritime Fur Trade of the Northwest Coast, 1785-1841 . 1992 . McGill-Queen's University Press . 0-7735-2028-7 . 168.
  7. At the Far Reaches of Empire, p. 237
  8. Quotes from At the Far Reaches of Empire, p. 237
  9. http://www.lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=578 Columbia Rediviva
  10. At the Far Reaches of Empire, p. 304
  11. https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/7615.html BCGNIS Geographical Name Details
  12. Otter Skins, Boston Ships, and China Goods, p. 227
  13. Book: Pethick, Derek. The Nootka connection: Europe and the Northwest coast, 1790-1795. 23 July 2012. 1980. Douglas & McIntyre. 978-0-88894-279-1. 76–77.
  14. At the Far Reaches of Empire, pp. 206-207
  15. A Discovery Journal: George Vancouver's First Survey Season, pp. 215, 230
  16. Book: Ingraham, Joseph. Mark D. Kaplanoff. Journal of the brigantine Hope on a voyage to the northwest coast of North America, 1790-92. 1971. Imprint Society. 9780876360187 .
  17. http://www.masseymarineart.com/Prints/PacEx/PAsset/ImpE.html Imperial Eagle Oahu
  18. https://web.archive.org/web/20101025183315/http://abcbookworld.com/view_author.php?id=3313 BARKLEY, Frances
  19. Book: Johnson, Ebenezer. A short account of a northwest voyage, performed in the years 1796, 1797 & 1798. 1798. Ebenezer Johnson. Massachusetts.
  20. Book: Johnson, Ebenezer. M S Batts. A short account of a Northwest voyage performed in the years 1796, 1797, & 1798. 1974. Alcuin Society. Vancouver. 0919026052. 3495180. registration.
  21. Charles . Bishop . Journal of Captain Charles Bishop of the 'Ruby' in 1795 . . . 29 . 4 . December 1928 . 337–346 . 20610436.
  22. Elliott . T.C. . The Journal of the Ship Ruby . . . 28 . 3 . December 1927 . 358–280 . 0610387.
  23. see Artifacts could finally prove hanging for murder unjust, Denise Titian, Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper, Jan 10, 2010
  24. Book: Ogden, Adele . The California Sea Otter Trade, 1784-1848 . 1975 . University of California Press . 978-0-520-02806-7 . 166–176.
  25. British Colonist May 25, 1864 p3; June 20, 1864 p.3; October 10, 1865 p3.
  26. Little . Margaret E. . 1973 . Early Days of the Maritime Fur Trade, 1785–1794 . University of British Columbia . 10.14288/1.0302164 . 24 October 2020 . 153–154.
  27. Foreign Ships along the Shores of Russian America . Grinëv . Andrei V. . Bland . Richard . Fall 2017 . Alaska History . Alaska Historical Society . 32 . 2 . 29–51 . 31 October 2020.
  28. https://books.google.com/books?id=seRDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA3 Lewis & Dryden's marine history of the Pacific Northwest
  29. Book: Malloy, Mary . Devil on the deep blue sea : the notorious career of Captain Samuel Hill of Boston . 2006 . Bullbrier Press . 9780972285414.
  30. Book: Lewis and Clark expedition. Volume 6 of Journals of the Lewis & Clark expedition (November 2, 1805 - March 22, 1806). 20 April 2013. 1990. University of Nebraska Press. 978-0-8032-2893-1. 160.
  31. Book: Colnett, James. James Colnett. A Voyage to the North West Side of America: The Journals of James Colnett, 1786-89. 20 April 2013. 2004. UBC Press. 978-0-7748-4001-9. 10.
  32. Crosse . John . Winter 1991–1992 . The Spanish Discovery of the Gulf of Georgia . British Columbia Historical News, Journal of the B.C. Historical Federation . 25 . 1 . 30–32 . 0045-2963 . 24 January 2010.
  33. http://www.hawaiian-roots.com/shipsB1880.htm Ships to Hawaii before 1880
  34. Charles . Bishop . Journal of Captain Charles Bishop of the 'Ruby' in 1795 . . . 29 . 4 . December 1928 . 337–346 . 20610436.
  35. http://www.abcbookworld.com/view_author.php?id=4528 Strange, James
  36. Book: Pethick, Derek . First Approaches to the Northwest Coast . J.J. Douglas . Vancouver . 1976 . 0-88894-056-4 . 77–100.
  37. https://books.google.com/books?id=pGvhy6X0p14C&pg=PA319 A Discovery Journal: George Vancouver's First Survey Season
  38. Book: Boit, John. Log of the Union: John Boit's Remarkable Voyage to the Northwest Coast and Around the World, 1794-1796. 1981. Oregon Historical Society. 978-0-87595-089-1.
  39. The Nootka Connection, p. 128
  40. Otter Skins, Boston Ships, and China Goods, p. 312