IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Charm
• Type: Schooner (Square Stern)
• Year Built: 1859
• Builder: George Thurston, Kingston, Ontario
• Dimensions:
  Original: 76.8 ft (23.4 m) length, 17.2 ft (5.2 m) beam, 6.6 ft (2.0 m) depth
  Post-Rebuild: 90 ft (27.4 m) length, 17.4 ft (5.3 m) beam, 6.7 ft (2.0 m) depth
• Tonnage: Original: 81 tons (old-style tonnage) Post-Rebuild: 89–90 tons
• Final Location: Northwest corner of Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
• Registration Number: C671567 (assigned after 1867 Rebuild)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Charm was a wooden, two-masted Schooner with a square Stern and single Deck. Built for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, the Charm was a typical Great Lakes vessel of its time, operating as a vital link in trade between Canadian and American ports. Its adaptable design allowed for modifications over time to meet evolving commercial demands.

HISTORY

The Charm had a storied operational life:

Initial Construction: Built in 1859 by George Thurston in Kingston, Ontario. Originally owned by J. Faulkner (or Falconer) of Kingston.

Ownership and Modifications: By 1861, the vessel was owned by George Laidlaw of Toronto, Ontario. Described as a “flat” in 1860 and a “scow” in 1863, indicating diverse uses. Underwent a significant Rebuild in 1867 at Port Nelson (Burlington), Ontario, overseen by A. LeClair, increasing its dimensions and tonnage.

Later Years: Acquired in 1872 by John T. Graup of Napanee, Ontario. Continued to operate successfully, carrying goods across Lake Ontario.

FINAL VOYAGE AND LOSS

On November 5, 1874, while en route from Napanee, Ontario, to Oswego, New York, with a cargo of barley, the Charm encountered a severe storm.

Key Details: The storm caused the vessel to founder near the northwest corner of Amherst Island, Lake Ontario. The Charm was one of several vessels lost or damaged in the same storm.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the Charm remains at its reported location near Amherst Island. While the precise condition of the site is uncertain, the wreck has likely deteriorated significantly due to its age and the freshwater environment of Lake Ontario.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Condition:

Likely in a deteriorated state, though the cold, freshwater environment may have preserved some elements of the wooden structure.

Accessibility:

The site is potentially accessible to divers, though its exact location and depth have not been thoroughly documented. Care is needed to protect any remaining artifacts and structural elements.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Charm illustrates the essential role of schooners in 19th-century Great Lakes trade. Its history, marked by ownership changes, rebuilds, and eventual loss, highlights the risks faced by mariners of the time. The vessel’s final voyage underscores the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, where sudden storms often proved catastrophic.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck data.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical archives of Great Lakes vessels.
• Canadian Shipwrecks Database: Documentation of notable shipwrecks across Canada.
• Kingston Historical Society: Additional records on regional shipbuilding and maritime history.

KEYWORDS

Charm Schooner, Amherst Island, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 19th-century vessel, George Thurston, wooden Schooner, grain transport, Great Lakes storm, Napanee to Oswego, maritime history.

ANALYSIS

The Charm exemplifies the dynamic nature of Great Lakes schooners, adapting to the demands of trade while enduring the volatile conditions of inland waterways. Its operational life and ultimate demise reflect the ingenuity, resilience, and risks of 19th-century shipping.

Today, the wreck serves as a historical artifact, preserving the story of a vessel that contributed to the economic and cultural fabric of the Great Lakes region. Exploration and study of the site could yield valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and navigation.