Identification & Site Information

•Type of Wreck: Wooden Schooner

•Name: Major N.H. Ferry

•Location: Mouth of the Murray Canal, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 117 feet (35.7 metres)

•Beam: 25 feet (7.6 metres)

•Depth: 8.1 feet (2.5 metres)

•Tonnage:

•Gross Tonnage: 171 tons

•Net Tonnage: 162 tons

•Site Status: Sank on May 28, 1913; remains submerged near the Murray Canal

Vessel Type Description

The Major N.H. Ferry was a robust wooden Schooner constructed in 1867 from oak. Designed for both cargo and passenger transport, the vessel was well-suited for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Its Class A classification reflected its superior construction and reliability, making it a key player in regional maritime commerce and travel during the late 19th century.

History

Construction and Early Service

•Built: 1867 in Ferrysburg, Michigan, by F. Pearson

•Initial Registration: Grand Haven, Michigan

•Original Owners: Ferry & White, later Ferry & Co.

•Purpose: Cargo and passenger transport on the Great Lakes

The Schooner quickly became a familiar sight on the lakes, known for its resilience and versatility.

Major Incidents

•1880: The Schooner collided with the propeller vessel Dean Richmond in Chicago, Illinois. Despite sinking, the Major N.H. Ferry was salvaged and repaired, resuming its operations.

•Ownership Changes: By 1909, the vessel was owned by J.F. Soward and James Oliver of Kingston, Ontario, continuing to serve as a vital link for goods and passengers.

Final Voyage and Loss

On May 28, 1913, while en route from Kingston to Oswego, New York, the Schooner struck a pier at the entrance to the Murray Canal in Lake Ontario. The collision caused extensive damage, leading to the vessel’s rapid sinking. The estimated financial loss was approximately $2,100. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life.

Final Disposition

The Major N.H. Ferry was declared a Total Loss after its sinking. The wreck lies submerged at the mouth of the Murray Canal in the Bay of Quinte, serving as a historical artifact of the region’s rich maritime history.

NOTMARs & Advisories

While no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist for the wreck site, the entrance to the Murray Canal is known for potential underwater hazards. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near this area.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Major N.H. Ferry was recorded immediately following its sinking in 1913. Though the location is known, it is not widely recognized or frequently visited, making it a point of interest primarily for historians and local divers.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Major N.H. Ferry symbolizes the grandeur and durability of 19th-century schooners that contributed to the development of trade and transportation on the Great Lakes. Its long service life and notable incidents, including salvage and eventual sinking, reflect the unpredictable and hazardous nature of maritime operations during this period. The vessel’s resting place at the mouth of the Murray Canal is a reminder of the crucial role schooners played in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the region.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records on shipwrecks and maritime history in the Great Lakes region

•Department of Marine & Fisheries, 1915 Casualty Report: Archival documentation of the vessel’s final moments

Conclusion

The Major N.H. Ferry stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of 19th-century maritime engineering. Despite its sturdy construction and storied career, its tragic loss in 1913 underscores the risks of Great Lakes navigation. The wreck site, though not widely explored, remains a valuable link to the region’s maritime heritage.

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