Wreck Report: His Majesty’s Schooner Tecumseth

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Tecumseth

• Type: Schooner (Pocket Battleship)

• Location: Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada

• Material: White oak, iron fittings

• Construction Date: War of 1812 (exact year: circa 1814)

• Dimensions:

• Length Overall: 76 feet

• Keel Length: 57 feet

• Beam: Not specified

• Depth: Not specified

• Current Condition: Partially intact; portions remain submerged at Penetanguishene harbor.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The Tecumseth was a Schooner built during the War of 1812 as part of Britain’s efforts to control the Upper Great Lakes. Designed as a compact warship, it was heavily armed for its size and employed innovative turret-like gun mounts to maximize firepower and range.

• Builder: Unknown (possibly constructed by local shipwrights under British naval supervision).

• Purpose: To serve as a small but powerful addition to Britain’s inland fleet, leveraging superior maneuverability and firepower to offset American naval dominance on the Great Lakes.

• Owner: Royal Navy.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The Tecumseth was a remarkable blend of robust construction and cutting-edge design for its time. Key features included:

1. Construction:

• White oak Keel measuring 11 inches wide and 16 inches deep, still intact and exhibiting minimal deterioration after 140 years.

• Floor timbers spaced 30 inches apart with cant frames angled for added strength.

• Principal Deck beams a foot square, crafted from solid oak.

2. Armament:

• Two long-range 24-pounder long guns mounted on circular tracks (early turret-like system), allowing for a 300-degree firing arc.

• Two 32-pounder carronades for short-range engagement.

• Guns were fired over open bulwarks rather than through ports, a revolutionary design minimizing splinter injuries during combat.

3. Rigging:

• Large Schooner rig optimized for maneuverability, enabling it to outmaneuver and control engagement distances against square-rigged adversaries.

4. Deck Features:

• Exposed Deck with minimal protection, emphasizing mobility and long-range engagement over defensive fortifications.

• Open rail for quick drainage and reduced splinter hazards.

CURRENT CONDITION & PRESERVATION

The Tecumseth now lies partially submerged at the Red Wharf, Penetanguishene.

• Portions of the Keel, floor timbers, and larboard topside remain intact and are well-preserved due to the anaerobic conditions of the harbor bottom.

• Lead pencil marks for cant-frame angles are still visible on the clean, smooth timbers, highlighting the craftsmanship of the shipwrights.

• Other sections of the vessel, particularly the bulwarks and Deck structures, are fragmented or lost due to ice, age, and submersion.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Tecumseth represents a pivotal moment in naval warfare during the War of 1812, embodying Britain’s adaptation to inland maritime conflict. Its innovative design anticipated modern naval trends, including:

• Turret-like gun mounts for enhanced firing arcs.

• Lightweight, mobile construction prioritizing speed and tactical positioning over defensive bulk.

• Schooner rigging for superior maneuverability on the Great Lakes.

The vessel’s preservation provides invaluable insight into early 19th-century shipbuilding techniques and naval strategies.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Schooner Days by C.H.J. Snider (1954): Detailed accounts of the Tecumseth’s construction and historical significance.

• Naval Archives of Canada: For official records and analysis of the vessel’s design and wartime role.

• Penetanguishene Museum: Repository of artifacts and documentation related to the Tecumseth.

The Tecumseth remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of naval engineers during the War of 1812. Its story enriches the maritime heritage of Canada and the Great Lakes, connecting modern audiences to a pivotal era in North American history.