Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: ATLANTIC
  • Type: Topsail Schooner (often miscalled a Brigantine or Brig)
  • Year Built: Approximately 1840s (specific year unknown)
  • Built At: Cobourg, Ontario
  • Final Location: Buried under the coal dock in Port Hope, Ontario, west harbour
  • Condition: Completely buried due to land reclamation and harbour improvements in the 1920s
  • Distinctive Features:
    • Black Hull with a red bottom
    • White band with painted ports (imitating man-of-war or whaler designs)
    • Yellow trailboards
    • Scroll head with a cornucopia of painted fruits and flowers

Vessel Type Description

The Atlantic was a topsail Schooner, a type of vessel renowned for its speed and versatility. Topsail schooners were often employed for coastal and cross-lake trade on the Great Lakes, combining the agility of schooners with the additional sail area of a square-rigged topsail. The vessel’s aesthetic—painted ports, scroll head, and vibrant colours—was a reflection of mid-19th-century maritime fashion and pride, marking it as a standout among Great Lakes vessels.

The Atlantic was celebrated as the “pride of Cobourg,” indicating its local importance both as a functional vessel and a symbol of the shipbuilding heritage in Cobourg, Ontario.

History

The Atlantic was launched in Cobourg, Ontario, under the command of Capt. Fowlic. Its significance extended beyond its design and aesthetic; it was a source of local pride in a bustling port town. Later, it became the command of Capt. David Sylvester at the remarkable age of 18, a testament to both the vessel’s prominence and the trust placed in the young captain.

In its later years, the Atlantic ended up in the “Port Hope boneyard,” a resting place for decommissioned vessels in the west harbour of Port Hope, Ontario. It was laid to rest alongside other notable ships, including the Two Brothers and the Garibaldi.

Final Disposition

In the 1920s, as part of harbour improvements and land reclamation efforts, the west harbour in Port Hope was partially filled in, burying the hulks of the Atlantic and the neighbouring vessels under the coal dock. This act permanently sealed these historic ships beneath layers of earth and infrastructure, effectively turning the area into a graveyard for Great Lakes maritime history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Atlantic remains buried under the coal dock in Port Hope’s west harbour, with no visible remnants above ground. Excavation would be a significant undertaking, requiring careful consideration of both the historical value and the practicality of disrupting the reclaimed land.

Resources & Links

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive database of historical Great Lakes vessels.
  • Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Advocacy group for preserving submerged maritime heritage in Ontario.
  • Port Hope Historical Society: Local resource for exploring the town’s maritime history.
  • Cobourg Archives: Repository for historical information about shipbuilding and maritime activity in Cobourg.

Analysis

The Atlantic serves as a tangible link to the vibrant shipbuilding and maritime culture of Cobourg and Port Hope during the mid-19th century. Its burial under the reclaimed land at Port Hope’s west harbour symbolizes a broader story of industrial and economic transformation in Great Lakes port towns. The ship’s distinctive design and storied history make it a valuable piece of Ontario’s maritime heritage, even as it lies hidden beneath the coal dock.

Keywords

#Atlantic #TopsailSchooner #CobourgShipbuilding #PortHopeBoneyard #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #ShipwreckBurial #OntarioMaritimeHeritage