Relics of the Olden Time: Burntship Bay

Historical Context

During the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the Niagara River and its surroundings were of strategic importance. Around 1753, the French, who then controlled Canada, constructed four or five war vessels near Navy Island, located approximately two miles above Niagara Falls. These ships were among the first vessels built on the Upper Great Lakes.

Fearing these vessels might fall into British hands during escalating hostilities, the French relocated two of them to Burntship Bay, a small cove on the western shore of the lower end of Grand Island. Shortly thereafter, around 1755, these vessels were Abandoned and intentionally set on fire by the French. The remains of these ships, estimated to be submerged in approximately twelve feet of water, have remained largely undisturbed for over 75 years. Occasionally, during periods of low water, parts of their timber structures become visible. However, these relics have been largely forgotten due to their antiquity.

Recovery Efforts

Recently, Honorable Stephen White of Boston, who summers on Grand Island, undertook efforts to recover portions of these submerged relics. Accompanied by a team of ship carpenters from White-Haven and equipped with tools such as crowbars, saws, and axes, Mr. White succeeded in detaching several planks and timbers from one of the vessels. These components, made of hand-sawed white oak and fastened with wooden trunnels, are now being carefully preserved.

The recovery process was challenging, even with the use of saws, due to the durability of the vessel’s construction. Mr. White estimates the vessels had a burden of approximately 90 tons. From the recovered planks, he has commissioned the crafting of approximately 20 walking canes. One of these will be presented to the Navy Department in Washington, while the others will be distributed among Mr. White’s acquaintances. Additionally, the author of this account hopes to secure a piece of the Hull for a city museum, considering it a priceless artifact of American history.

Cultural Significance

These relics, remnants of enemy vessels defeated by early American forebears and submerged beneath the waters of Niagara for decades, hold great historical value. Preserving and showcasing these artifacts offers a tangible link to the nation’s past and a symbol of its resilience during formative conflicts.

Submarine Armor Experiment and Demonstration

On a separate note, unless inclement weather prevails, a submarine armor experiment conducted by Mr. Taylor is scheduled to take place tomorrow. The Steamboat Wisconsin, recently refurbished, has been chartered for the event and will depart at 2:00 P.M. The vessel’s route remains undecided, with options to navigate either upstream on Lake Erie or downstream toward Burntship Bay at the foot of Grand Island, where the French vessels were burned and sunk in 1755.

Mr. Taylor’s demonstration will include the deployment of submarine rockets, culminating in a grand explosion. To illustrate their destructive power, an old canal boat will be towed along by the Steamboat. The experiments are expected to conclude near Point Abino.

This rewrite maintains the narrative flow while ensuring clarity, historical accuracy, and a professional tone.