Identification & Site Information

•Name: Burlington

•Other Names: None recorded

•Type: Originally a Brig, later converted to a Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1843

•Builder: Sam’l. Turner & Ross, Cleveland, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length: 80 feet (24.4 meters)

•Beam: 21 feet (6.4 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

•Tonnage: 117 tons

•Final Location: 3 miles west of Grimsby, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Date of Wreck: October 30, 1868

Vessel Type Description

The Burlington was a two-masted wooden Schooner, converted from a Brig, and typical of mid-19th-century vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Known for transporting bulk cargo such as coal and wheat, schooners like the Burlington were vital to regional trade. Despite its solid construction, the vessel succumbed to the hazardous conditions of Great Lakes navigation.

History

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1843 by Sam’l. Turner & Ross in Cleveland, Ohio, the Burlington began its life as a Brig before being converted into a Schooner to better suit evolving shipping demands. Measuring 80 feet in length with a tonnage of 117, it was a modest but capable vessel.

Significant Incidents

•October 1853: The Burlington ran ashore at Cat Fish Creek, Ontario, while carrying coal. The vessel was salvaged and returned to service.

•November 1854: The Schooner was grounded on a reef near Port Burce, Ontario, while attempting to assist the Canadian Bark Globe, which had also run aground. Despite significant damage, the Burlington was repaired.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On October 30, 1868, the Burlington was transporting 5,500 bushels of wheat when it encountered a severe storm on Lake Ontario. The Schooner was driven ashore near Grimsby, Ontario, approximately 3 miles west of the town. The vessel was declared a Total Loss, but there are no records of casualties among the crew.

Final Disposition

The Burlington was destroyed in the storm, and its remains were likely scattered or buried over time. The vessel’s cargo was also lost. There are no confirmed records of salvage efforts for the wreck.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site of the Burlington near Grimsby has not been extensively documented. Given the passage of time and the nature of wooden shipwrecks, any remnants of the vessel are likely minimal and heavily deteriorated, buried under sediment or lost to the elements.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Burlington exemplifies the challenges faced by 19th-century schooners on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1843 to its wreck in 1868, the vessel endured numerous setbacks but remained an essential part of the region’s maritime trade. Its loss near Grimsby, Ontario, during a fierce storm underscores the unpredictability and perils of Great Lakes navigation.

Keywords

Burlington, Schooner, Brig, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Grimsby Ontario, 1868 storm, Great Lakes maritime history, Sam’l. Turner & Ross, cargo of wheat, wooden shipwreck.