IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: J. S. HARVEY

Type: Brig

Cargo: Wheat

Location: Near Sage Creek, approximately 15 miles east of Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed; area identified near Texas Creek and Port Ontario

Depth: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The J. S. HARVEY was a two-masted Brig, a versatile sailing vessel commonly used in the 19th century for transporting bulk goods. Known for their robust construction and significant cargo capacity, brigs like the J. S. HARVEY played a critical role in the Great Lakes economy, serving as vital links in trade routes that connected inland ports with coastal markets. Designed to handle challenging conditions, these vessels were integral to the movement of essential commodities like wheat, underscoring their importance to regional economies.

HISTORY

On December 8, 1864, the Brig J. S. HARVEY met a tragic end when it ran aground near Sage Creek, about 15 miles east of Oswego, New York. At the time, the vessel was transporting a load of wheat—a vital economic resource. The location, approximately 3-4 miles from Port Ontario and near Texas Creek, was particularly hazardous during winter when strong winds and icy conditions plagued the Great Lakes.

Incident and Abandonment

The grounding caused significant structural damage to the vessel. Efforts to salvage or repair the J. S. HARVEY were futile, and the rigging was stripped from the ship to prevent further loss. With no hope of continuing its voyage or restoring the vessel, the crew Abandoned it, marking the end of the Brig’s service.

This incident highlights the formidable challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners during the 19th century, particularly during the winter. Sudden storms, navigational hazards, and freezing temperatures made voyages perilous, even for seasoned sailors aboard well-constructed ships like the J. S. HARVEY.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The J. S. HARVEY was Abandoned at its grounding site near Sage Creek. With damage beyond repair, the vessel was lost to Lake Ontario’s waters. The precise location of the wreckage is not well-documented, but it is presumed to rest in the vicinity of its grounding site along Lake Ontario’s eastern shoreline.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has not been definitively discovered or explored. Historical accounts place the incident on December 8, 1864, but no subsequent efforts to locate or salvage the wreck have been recorded.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the J. S. HARVEY wreck site. Given the vessel’s age and likely degradation, the wreck is not considered a navigational hazard today.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•NOAA Marine Sanctuaries: Resource for maritime preservation and shipwreck documentation.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Historical data and exploration resources for Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Database of historical records and shipwreck details.

•David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Comprehensive shipwreck listings.

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Preservation and advocacy group for Ontario’s underwater heritage.

CONCLUSION

The loss of the J. S. HARVEY serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes sailors in the 19th century. The vessel’s grounding near Sage Creek encapsulates the harsh realities of navigating these inland seas during winter, when unpredictable weather and hazardous conditions frequently led to tragedy. Though little physical evidence of the Brig remains, its story highlights the resilience and risks of maritime trade in an era when the Great Lakes were the lifeline of commerce.

Keywords:

J. S. HARVEY, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Sage Creek, Oswego, 19th Century Brig, Great Lakes Maritime History, Abandoned Ship, Wheat Cargo, Shipwreck History, Maritime Navigation.