IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: MINERVA COOK
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Location: Off Point Peninsula, near Chaumont, New York, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44° 00’ 30.39” W 76° 17’ 11.94”
• Depth: Approximately 10 feet (3 meters)
• Length: 90 feet (27.4 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The MINERVA COOK was a two-masted wooden Schooner constructed in 1840 by Lewis Goler at Garden Island, Ontario. With a single Deck, the vessel was initially 88.7 feet long, had a beam of 18.1 feet, and a depth of 9.4 feet, carrying 137 tons. After a Rebuild in 1854, its capacity was increased to 170 tons. The Schooner was primarily used for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, notably lumber, grain, and other goods integral to 19th-century trade.

HISTORY

The MINERVA COOK had a challenging and accident-prone career:

Construction and Early Operations (1840):

Built for Calvin, Cook & Company, the Schooner began its service as a transport vessel in the bustling trade routes of Lake Ontario.

• First Collision (1851) Sank after a collision with the Bark Clayton near Long Point. The loss was valued at $3,300, but the Schooner was salvaged.
• Rebuild (1854): Following the first sinking, the vessel was Rebuilt and its capacity increased to 170 tons.
• Second Collision (1858): Remarkably, the MINERVA COOK collided once again with the Clayton, sinking off Long Point.
• Capsize Incident (1863): The vessel capsized off South Bay Point, adding to its history of misfortune.
• Grounding (1865): While owned by John Frazer of Kingston, Ontario, the Schooner ran aground in Sodus, New York, while carrying lumber.
• Collision with the E. MASTERS (1866): Another collision occurred at Mill Point, further damaging the vessel and tarnishing its reputation.
• Final Wreck (November 1868): The Schooner was wrecked in Lake Ontario under unclear circumstances, marking the end of its troubled existence.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The MINERVA COOK now rests in shallow waters off Point Peninsula, near Chaumont, New York, at a depth of about 10 feet (3 meters). Its remains are accessible for snorkelers and divers, offering a window into the perils of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies in shallow water, making it easily accessible for snorkelers and recreational divers. The site provides an opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of Great Lakes history. However, its exposed location makes it vulnerable to weathering and potential disturbance.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck Database: A comprehensive database containing historical records of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the MINERVA COOK.
• Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes: Historical insights into the challenges of navigating Lake Ontario and other Great Lakes during the 19th century.
• NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries:

A resource for understanding the broader context of shipwrecks and maritime conservation efforts.

KEYWORDS

#MINERVA COOK #Wooden Schooner #Point Peninsula Wreck #Chaumont, New York #19th-Century Great Lakes Trade #Lake Ontario Shipwrecks

ANALYSIS

The story of the MINERVA COOK is emblematic of the perilous conditions faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Despite its sturdy construction and rebuilds, the Schooner succumbed repeatedly to the hazards of navigation, including collisions, capsizing, and grounding. Its wreck serves as a tangible reminder of these challenges and contributes to the maritime history of Lake Ontario. The site is significant for both historical research and recreational exploration, representing a chapter in the era of wooden schooners that powered the region’s economy.