IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Site Name: Burlington

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier / Steam Barge (originally a propeller-driven vessel)

Location: Mississauga Lighthouse, Lake Huron

Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)

Length: 137 feet (41.8 meters)

Coordinates: N 42° 37.647’, W 080° 00.912’

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Burlington began its life as a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven passenger and freight vessel built in 1857. It underwent multiple transformations during its lifetime, transitioning into a steam Barge capable of towing massive loads, including up to 10,000 tons of stone. The vessel’s robust build, two decks, and single propeller allowed it to serve diverse purposes, including passenger transport, lumber hauling, and bulk cargo movement.

HISTORY

The Burlington was constructed in 1857 at Buffalo, New York, by Daniel O’Connor and launched for the Old Oswego Line, owned by Fitzburgh & Littlejohn. Initially, it served as a passenger and freight Steamer. Over its long operational history, the vessel saw numerous owners, multiple rebuilds, and a variety of roles.

Key Milestones:

• Construction & Early Operations:

• Launched in May 1857 with dimensions of 144 feet in length and a Gross Tonnage of 384 tons.

• Initially operated along major shipping routes, transporting passengers and freight.

• Ownership Changes:

• Ownership transferred repeatedly, including to Henry Fitzhugh, Dewitt Littlejohn, and others.

• By 1871, the vessel was owned by Blodgett and George Lockhart and later Robert Hackett.

• Rebuilds and Conversions:

• Converted to a steam Barge after sinking in Pelee Passage in 1872.

• Dimensions adjusted to 137 feet in length, and tonnage reduced to 276 gross tons.

• Significant Achievements:

• Pulled a record-setting tow of 10,000 tons of stone in 1875.

• Final Years:

• Experienced repeated fires and sinkings:

• Burned and sank in the Detroit River in 1894.

• Raised and Rebuilt, only to burn and sink again in Meldrum Bay, Lake Huron, in 1895.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On August 24, 1895, the Burlington burned and sank in Meldrum Bay, Lake Huron, marking the end of its operational history. It was declared unsalvageable, and the wreck now rests in shallow waters near the Mississauga Lighthouse.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck is a well-known site near Mississauga Lighthouse, with its location and approximate coordinates documented.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• Advisory: Shallow depth (20 feet) makes the wreck accessible to divers and snorkelers but also poses potential hazards to small craft navigating near the site.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Burlington wreck is in a shallow depth of 20 feet, making it highly accessible to divers and snorkelers. The remains include significant portions of the wooden Hull and parts of its superstructure. The wreck offers a glimpse into the maritime history of Lake Huron and the evolution of Great Lakes shipping.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1. Great Lakes Ships Database

• Comprehensive information on the Burlington and other vessels.

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Archival records and detailed reports on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

3. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Repository of historical documents related to Great Lakes maritime history.

4. Dive Ontario Directory

• Information on dive sites and wreck accessibility.

ANALYSIS

The Burlington exemplifies the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels, transitioning from passenger and freight operations to bulk cargo hauling. Its history of ownership changes, rebuilds, and conversions highlights the resourcefulness of maritime operators of the era. The wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels, from fire to fierce storms, and offers a fascinating site for divers interested in the rich maritime heritage of Lake Huron.

KEYWORDS

Burlington wreck, Mississauga Lighthouse, Lake Huron shipwrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, steam Barge, 19th-century bulk carriers, underwater exploration, Great Lakes shipwrecks.