Identification & Site Information

• Name: Caledonia

• Type: Schooner

• Built: 1837, Oswego, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 70 feet (21.3 meters)

• Width: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

• Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

• Tonnage: 110 tons (old measurement system)

• Final Resting Place: Near Port Burwell, Lake Erie (Canadian side)

Vessel Type Description

The Caledonia was a two-masted wooden Schooner, a common vessel type of the 19th century used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Its smaller size and robust construction made it well-suited for navigating the often treacherous waters of Lake Erie and other Great Lakes, handling cargoes such as coal and lumber with ease.

History

The Caledonia was built in 1837 in Oswego, New York, and quickly became a staple on the trade routes of Lake Erie, regularly operating between Buffalo and various ports. During its active years, the vessel played a significant role in the economic activity of the region, transporting essential goods to growing communities.

Incidents

• 1848: The Schooner collided with the Steamer Hudson in Cleveland, damaging its Stern. The collision was significant enough to be noted in contemporary records.

• 1849: The vessel was sold at a marshal’s sale, likely due to financial or legal challenges faced by its owners.

Final Disposition

On November 2, 1851, the Caledonia encountered a severe storm near Port Burwell on Lake Erie. The storm drove the Schooner ashore, leading to its complete wreck.

• Cargo: The Schooner was reportedly carrying lumber or coal at the time of the wreck.

• Casualties: There are no records of any loss of life associated with the wreck.

The loss of the Caledonia was widely reported in newspapers in 1852, indicating its significance to the maritime community. By the time of its wreck, the vessel was described as “old,” having served its owners in trade for over a decade.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are currently no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Caledonia. Its site is not documented as a navigational hazard or dive location.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion

The Caledonia represents the resilience and challenges of Great Lakes maritime commerce during the mid-19th century. Its loss in 1851highlights the inherent dangers of navigating Lake Erie, especially during storms. Despite its age at the time of its wreck, the Schooner left a lasting impression on the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

Caledonia, Schooner, Lake Erie, Port Burwell, Great Lakes shipwrecks, 19th-century maritime history, coal and lumber trade, Oswego-built schooners, storm wreck.