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 The
A.R. Noyes represents perhaps the most common type
of commercial vessel that operated on Lake Champlain
and its related canal systems. The standard canal
boat first appeared in 1823 with the opening of the
Champlain Canal. These craft rapidly increased in
numbers throughout the nineteenth century and operated
on the Lake into the early 1900's. Canal barges had
no independent means of propulsion. On lakes and rivers,
they had to be towed by steam vessels and on canals
they were moved by horse and mule. Canal boats frequently
were the homes of families of "canalers"
who lived on the boats and traveled from place to
place to earn a living. Long trains of canal boats
could still be seen on the Lake at the beginning of
the 20th century, but disappeared after the expansion
of the Champlain Canal in the 1920's.
The Coal Barge, A.R. Noyes is believed
to have sunk, on October 17, 1884, when a number of
canal boats broke loose from the steam tug Tisdale
which was towing them on their way to Burlington.
The A.R. Noyes was the only one reported lost.
FEATURES OF INTEREST:
Size of wreck: 90' long; 14' wide
The rudder and rudder post are visible on the stern,
facing up the slope towards Proctor Shoal.
In the cargo area, you will find remnants of the mules
towing apparatus crushed and partially buried by the
impact of the shifting coal which still remains in
her hold.
DIVING GUIDELINES:
Experience level: Advanced
Depth of water : 65' (stern) - 80' (bow)
The vessel rests on a gradual slope and extremely
silty bottom. Visibility can quickly become very poor.
The mooring chains tend to disappear into the soft
silty bottom. Several small floating buoys have been
attached to the chain to guide you to the anchor pad.
Underwater lights are highly recommended.
This wreck is extremely fragile, all effort shoud
be made to avoid contact.
LOCATION:
Just north of the Coast Guard's navigational
buoy on Proctor Shoal.
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DO NOT PENETRATE THE WRECK
CAUTION: Extremely silty bottom
- control buoyancy and stay above the mud!
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