Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Wellington
• Year Built: Pre-1854
• Vessel Type: Schooner
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Peas

Vessel Type Description

The Wellington was a wooden-hulled Schooner, a common type of vessel used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These ships were designed for carrying bulk cargoes such as grain, timber, and other goods essential to trade between American and Canadian ports. With their efficient design and relatively shallow Draft, schooners like the Wellington were well-suited to navigating the Great Lakes’ harbors and channels.

History

The Wellington was an active participant in the bustling commercial trade of Lake Ontario. Schooners of this era were integral to the economic development of the region, moving goods between towns and cities on both sides of the border.

In April 1854, the Wellington was loaded with a cargo of peas for transport across Lake Ontario. Unfortunately, the Schooner met its fate near Poultneyville, New York, succumbing to the unpredictable weather and hazards that were a constant threat to shipping in the mid-19th century.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: April 22, 1854
• Location: Off Poultneyville, Lake Ontario
• Cause of Loss: Likely bad weather or navigational challenges.

Despite the widespread use of schooners and the wealth of maritime activity on the Great Lakes, details surrounding the Wellington’s sinking are scarce. No formal record exists of the vessel’s wreck being located or salvaged. It is presumed that the remains of the Wellington still rest on the lakebed near Poultneyville.

Crew Fate

There is no documentation available regarding the fate of the crew. This lack of information is common for shipwrecks of this era, where records were often sparse and losses at sea were frequent.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Wellington has not been located in modern times. Its precise location remains unknown, though it is believed to be near Poultneyville, Lake Ontario.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No navigational hazards have been reported in relation to the Wellington’s wreck. However, the waters off Poultneyville are known for their challenging conditions, which have historically been the site of many shipwrecks.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Analysis

The loss of the Wellington is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. The Schooner’s disappearance highlights the vulnerability of wooden vessels to sudden storms and the limited navigational tools available at the time. Without modern technology or infrastructure to aid recovery, vessels like the Wellington often vanished without a trace, leaving their stories incomplete.

Keywords

Wellington, Lake Ontario Schooner, Poultneyville shipwreck, 19th-century maritime history, Great Lakes shipping, wooden schooners, grain transport, Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Wellington stands as a symbol of the significant yet perilous role schooners played in the economic development of the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Although its wreck has not been found, its story contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario, underscoring the challenges faced by vessels in the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.