IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Unidentified Schooner

Year Built: 1830

Year Sank: 1850

Type of Wreck: Wooden Schooner

Final Location: Off the waterfront of Ogdensburg, New York, St. Lawrence River

Depth: 52 feet (15.8 meters)

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 44° 41’ 35.9988” N, Longitude: 75° 30’ 52.9992” W

Dive Difficulty Level: Intermediate

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The wreck is a wooden Schooner, a two- or three-masted sailing vessel widely used in the 19th century for commercial trade and transportation on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways like the St. Lawrence River. These ships were integral to the economic development of the region, carrying goods ranging from grains to timber. With a length of 130 feet and a beam of 24 feet, this Schooner was a typical cargo vessel of its time, designed for durability and efficient sailing.

DIMENSIONS AND TONNAGE

•Length: 130 feet (39.6 meters)

•Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

HISTORY

Constructed in 1830, the Schooner operated on the St. Lawrence River, serving as a critical link in the transport chain that connected inland waterways to coastal ports. Wooden schooners like this one were workhorses of the era, vital for the region’s burgeoning commerce.

In 1850, tragedy struck when the vessel caught fire, burning down to the waterline. Despite the devastating loss, the Schooner’s remains have survived underwater, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and maritime history of the mid-19th century.

The wreck rests on a firm clay and silt bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg near Ogdensburg’s waterfront, a historically significant area with a rich maritime past. Located between the Rothesay wreck site and the Canadian Coast Guard Station, it has become a point of interest for divers and researchers exploring the underwater heritage of the St. Lawrence River.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Schooner sank in 1850, destroyed by fire. Today, its remnants lie submerged, with sections of its decking intact. The bowsprit and rudder are missing, but the main structure rises approximately 8 feet off the riverbed, preserved by the cold, silty waters of the St. Lawrence.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning this wreck site. Divers should be aware of the current in the area, which can be strong and may affect Visibility and safety during exploration.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has been documented by local divers and underwater archaeologists, though the exact date of discovery is not recorded. It is part of a network of historical wrecks in the Ogdensburg region, emphasizing its maritime importance.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Schooner is in a moderate state of preservation given its age and the conditions of its sinking. Resting on a hard silty clay bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg, the wreck rises about 8 feet off the riverbed.

•Visibility: Ranges between 10 and 15 feet depending on current and weather conditions.

•Current: The site experiences strong currents, making it suitable for experienced divers with appropriate equipment.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive details on historical vessels and their fates.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Records and narratives of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository for historical information about Great Lakes vessels.

•Scuba Diving Magazine: Guides and resources for diving at historic wreck sites like this one.

KEYWORDS

Unidentified Schooner, Wooden Hull, St. Lawrence River, Ogdensburg, Shipwreck, 19th Century Maritime History, Intermediate Dive Site, Fire-damaged Wreck, Commercial Sailing Vessel.

ANALYSIS

This unidentified Schooner offers a tangible connection to the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River during the mid-19th century. Its burning and subsequent sinking in 1850 reflect the hazards faced by wooden ships in this era, whether from accidents, fire, or environmental challenges.

The wreck’s location near other significant sites underscores Ogdensburg’s historical role as a bustling maritime hub. Its current condition provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for divers, contributing valuable insights into shipbuilding techniques and trade practices of the time.

Preserving and studying this wreck further enhances our understanding of the region’s nautical heritage, shedding light on the lives and industries that thrived along the Great Lakes and their tributaries.