The Story of the Schooner CHARLESTON (also known as CHARLTON)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: CHARLESTON (aka CHARLTON)

• Type: Two-masted wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1837

• Builder: Sackets Harbor, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 84 feet (25.6 meters)

• Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

• Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

• Tonnage: 118 tons

• Owners: Fitzhugh & Co., Oswego, New York

• Final Location: Near Sodus, New York, Lake Ontario

• Year Lost: November 23, 1844

• Coordinates: Not specifically recorded

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHARLESTON was a robust two-masted Schooner, designed to transport bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners of this type were essential for the economic trade networks of the 19th century, as they could carry large quantities of goods and navigate both open lakes and narrow waterways. With its sturdy wooden construction and ample cargo capacity, the CHARLESTON was well-suited for the growing commerce of Lake Ontario and surrounding regions.

HISTORY

Construction and Service Life

Built in 1837 at the renowned shipbuilding hub of Sackets Harbor, New York, the CHARLESTON served as a vital cargo transport vessel on Lake Ontario. Owned by Fitzhugh & Co. of Oswego, the Schooner was part of a fleet that connected regional producers to broader markets, transporting goods such as flour and other commodities.

The Final Voyage

On November 23, 1844, the CHARLESTON embarked on what would become its final journey, sailing from the Welland Canal towards Oswego, New York. The ship carried a valuable cargo of 4,200 bushels of flour and other goods destined for trade.

However, as the vessel approached the coast near Sodus, New York, it was caught in a fierce storm. Seeking shelter from the violent weather, the crew attempted to guide the ship into a safe harbor. Tragically, the Schooner struck a treacherous bar near the shoreline, causing it to Bilge and rapidly fill with water.

Despite the chaos, the crew managed to escape without loss of life. However, the CHARLESTON and its cargo were deemed a Total Loss. The incident was reported widely in newspapers such as the Oswego County Whig and the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, underscoring the severity of the loss for the region’s maritime community.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the CHARLESTON remained near Sodus, New York, in Lake Ontario. The vessel’s structure suffered catastrophic damage, and it was not salvaged, likely becoming scattered debris over time. The loss was significant both economically and historically, representing the perils of navigating the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

The wreck of the CHARLESTON reflects the challenges faced by early mariners and the reliance on schooners for economic growth in the region. While the exact location of the wreck remains unknown, its story is an important piece of Lake Ontario’s maritime heritage. The site, if discovered, could offer valuable insights into shipbuilding techniques and trade practices of the 1830s and 1840s.

FUTURE EXPLORATION AND PRESERVATION

The potential discovery of the CHARLESTON’s wreck could provide historians and archaeologists with an opportunity to study early Schooner designs and maritime commerce on Lake Ontario. Any findings should be documented and preserved with care, respecting the historical significance of the site and its connection to the region’s economic history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database on shipwrecks and maritime history.

• Oswego County Whig (November 27, 1844): Contemporary newspaper reporting on the wreck.

• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser (February 8, 1845): Follow-up reports on the incident.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archive of historical shipwrecks.

• Great Lakes Ships by C. Patrick Labadie: Resource detailing vessels from the Great Lakes region.

• Certificates of Enrolment (Oswego, 1842–1844): Documentation of the vessel’s registration and ownership.

CONCLUSION

The Schooner CHARLESTON, built in 1837, played a significant role in the bustling maritime trade of Lake Ontario during the 19th century. Its tragic loss in a storm off Sodus, New York, in 1844 highlights the hazards of Great Lakes navigation and the resilience of the maritime community. While the wreck has not been located, the CHARLESTON remains an enduring part of the region’s rich maritime history, reminding us of the challenges and achievements of early Great Lakes shipping.

KEYWORDS

• CHARLESTON Shipwreck

• Sodus Bay Schooner Wreck

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Fitzhugh & Co.

• 19th Century Shipwrecks

• Lake Ontario Storms

• Early Schooner Trade

• Sackets Harbor Shipbuilding