S.S. Port Simpson

S.S. Port Simpson was built in 1908 at Victoria BC by Alexander Watson, Jr. for the Hudson’s Bay Co. She replaced the Mount Royal in passenger and freight trade on the Skeena River. She was the last large vessel built by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) for the Skeena River. In 1912, with completion of the railway to Hazelton, she was withdrawn from service and laid up by the HBC.

She was equipped with steam steering and an electric gas generator, hot and cold running water, steam heat in cabins, and saloon deck, luxurious appointments as had the Mount Royal, known as the Queen of the Skeena or The White Flyer.

In 1917 she replaced the Taltan on the Stikine River and at the end of season was sold to M. M. Stephens of Prince Rupert BC and dismantled at Port Simpson.

Name, Reg	Tonnage	Len x Wid x Draft	NHP	Engines	Passengers	Info
Port Simpson, C-122390	607.21	136.6×30.4×5.4	15	15×72	150	u/k

Crew:
Capt. T. J. Jackman
Capt. Stuart B. Johnson
Richard Denniston, Chief Engineer
Percy Patmore, Purser
H. Talbot, Second Engineer
J. Watson, First Officer
C. Clunas, Second Officer
J. Knox, Chief Steward
F. Tupper, Freight Clerk

Ships Registry for Port Simpson courtesy Library and Archives Canada:

*A colorized post card of the Port Simpson Courtesy Northern BC Archives, UNBC Accession 2011_3_4_15*

*Port Simpson at Kitselas Canyon with several other steamers Courtesy BC Archives*

*Port Simpson at Cunningham sawmill Courtesy Harris fonds and Prince Rupert City and Regional Archives*

*Port Simpson arriving at Hazelton Courtesy Wrathall Photos and Prince Rupert City and Regional Archives*

*Port Simpson and Distributor at Prince Rupert Courtesy Prince Rupert City and Regional Archives*

*Port Simpson and Distributor at Eby’s Landing Kitsumkalum Courtesy BC Archives*

*Port Simpson on the Skeena River Courtesy Northern BC Archives, UNBC*

*S.S. Camosun and Port Simpson in 1909 at Prince Rupert Courtesy Prince Rupert City and Regional Archives*

*Port Simpson on the ways at Port Simpson, its home port. Courtesy BC Archives*

*Winter quarters for the Port Simpson at Port Simpson Courtesy Fred Button fonds and Prince Rupert City and Regional Archives*