• Vessel Name: Triumph • Year of Build: 1816 • Built At: Sackets Harbor, New York, USA • Vessel Type: Schooner • Hull Materials: Wood • Number of Decks: 1 Power and Masts • Number of Masts: 2 Hull Dimensions • Length: 59 feet 10 inches (18.2 meters) • Beam: 12 feet (3.7 meters) • Depth: 3 feet 10 inches (1.2 meters) • Tonnage (Old Style): 25 32/95 tons

Vessel Type

The Triumph was a two-masted wooden Schooner constructed in 1816, a period that saw significant trade expansion on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Triumph were highly valued for their maneuverability and were commonly used for transporting essential goods, including salt, grain, and other bulk cargo across Lake Ontario. Although smaller at 59 feet (18.2 meters) in length, the Triumph fulfilled a crucial role in the economic network of the time, moving cargoes between major ports on the lake and smaller settlements alike.

History

After being launched from Sackets Harbor, New York, the Triumph served in regional trade for several years. Designed to handle the Great Lakes’ demands, it frequently transported vital goods to communities across Lake Ontario. The vessel’s size allowed it to access shallower, smaller ports while still accommodating significant cargo for its dimensions. On its final voyage in November 1820, the Triumph was laden with 153 barrels of salt, a highly sought-after commodity at the time, essential for both food preservation and seasoning.

Final Disposition

On November 12, 1820, while transporting its cargo of salt, the Triumph was caught in a storm and stranded on the Genesee Bar, a hazardous area near Rochester, New York. The location was known for its treacherous shallows, which posed a significant risk to mariners. Although the Triumph was a well-built vessel, it succumbed to the rough conditions and grounded near the bar. The Schooner was declared a Total Loss, though all crew members were rescued by the Steamer Ontario, with no casualties reported. However, the full cargo of 153 barrels of salt was likely lost to the lake’s depths, representing a considerable financial loss at the time.

Located By & Date

No records exist to confirm that the wreck of the Triumph has been located or salvaged in modern times. It is assumed that the remains rest near the Genesee Bar, a site notorious for ensnaring vessels in Lake Ontario’s unpredictable currents and shifting sandbars.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories

Presently, no specific navigational advisories (NOTMARs) exist for the Triumph’s wreck site. However, the Genesee Bar region remains known for its hazardous shallows and strong currents, where other vessels have encountered similar fates over the years. Mariners are advised to navigate carefully near this area due to its historical significance and potential underwater hazards.

Resources & Links

For further historical research and details about the Triumph and other Great Lakes vessels, consider the following resources:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive database covering historical vessels, events, and shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, including entries on vessels similar to the Triumph. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Maintained by Bowling Green State University, this database provides valuable information on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks. Great Lakes Vessels Database

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: This organization focuses on preserving Ontario’s underwater heritage, including shipwrecks in Lake Ontario. Their resources are helpful for those interested in learning more about early schooners and Great Lakes maritime history. Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The Triumph highlights the challenging conditions faced by early schooners on the Great Lakes, where even the best-built vessels could fall victim to unexpected storms and shallow hazards. Its loss on the Genesee Bar near Rochester underscores the risks schooners encountered while navigating the waters of Lake Ontario, especially in the face of powerful autumn gales. Despite its small size, the Triumph contributed significantly to the trade network of the Great Lakes, and its story serves as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of early mariners who helped develop the region’s economy.

Keywords: #TriumphSchooner #LakeOntarioShipwreck #GeneseeBarWreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory