Site Identification & Information

•Vessel Name: Grantham

•Location: Salmon River, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Approximate location off Salmon Point, Bay of Quinte

•Depth: Presumed shallow (final operation involved lightening cargo)

•Date Discovered: Not applicable (wrecked during known operations)

•Discovered By: Not applicable (wreck location historically documented)

Vessel Type Description

The Grantham was a wooden three-masted Schooner built in 1873 at Port Robinson, Ontario, by J. Abbey. Purpose-built for bulk cargo transport, it was typical of the sturdy and functional designs of the era, suited to carrying goods like grain, lumber, and coal across the Great Lakes. Measuring 140 feet in length, 23.7 feet in beam, and 11.7 feet in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 400 tons, the Schooner was capable of carrying approximately 20,000 bushels of goods, making it a vital asset in the Great Lakes trade network.

History

The Grantham enjoyed a long and industrious career, serving as a cargo carrier for over 40 years. Its early voyages were marked by routine runs between ports such as Kingston, Montreal, and other hubs of Great Lakes commerce. The ship transported essential commodities, including grain and lumber, that supported the burgeoning economies of the Great Lakes region.

Throughout its operational history, the Grantham encountered several incidents, a testament to the challenging conditions faced by Great Lakes vessels. For example:

•May 1890: Ran ashore near Nine Mile Point, Kingston.

•May 1896: Another grounding incident, highlighting the Schooner’s enduring resilience.

The vessel underwent modifications in 1879, which adjusted its dimensions and tonnage slightly, ensuring it remained fit for service. These adjustments reflected the Schooner’s adaptability to meet changing market demands and operational requirements.

Final Disposition

On July 6, 1913, the Grantham sank while aiding in salvage operations. The Schooner was tasked with lightening the load of the stranded Canadian Steamer A.E. Ames, which was carrying coal. During these operations off Salmon River in the Bay of Quinte, the Granthammet its demise, marking a tragic end to its service.

At the time, the Schooner was owned by the Donnelly Wrecking Company, indicating its later-life role in salvage operations—a common fate for aging ships.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Grantham lies in the Bay of Quinte near Salmon River. Its exact depth is unknown, but it is presumed to be in shallow waters, given the circumstances of its sinking. The wreck is not widely explored or documented but could offer significant insights into maritime history for divers and researchers. Its condition is likely influenced by its wooden construction and the passage of time, potentially leaving it in a state of natural degradation.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical records and shipwreck information for the Great Lakes region.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive catalog of vessels that served the Great Lakes, including schooners like the Grantham.

Tags

•Type: Wooden three-masted Schooner

•Location: Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario

•Depth: Shallow

•Year Built: 1873

•Year Sunk: 1913

•Purpose: Cargo transport, salvage operations

•Construction: Wooden, three-masted

Analysis

The Grantham stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes schooners. Its career, spanning four decades, reflects the critical role such vessels played in the economic development of the region. The ship’s transition to salvage operations later in life demonstrates how maritime operators repurposed aging vessels to extend their utility.

The Schooner’s sinking while aiding another ship speaks to the inherent dangers of maritime operations, even in relatively sheltered areas like the Bay of Quinte. This wreck offers potential for historical research into shipbuilding practices of the late 19th century and the operational history of Great Lakes schooners. The Grantham’s story encapsulates the enduring legacy of the hardworking vessels and crews that navigated the Great Lakes during this era.