Comprehensive Report: C. Reeve

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: C. Reeve

•Location: Near Oak Orchard, Lake Ontario, New York, USA. Some sources suggest Devil’s Nose as the site of collision.

•Depth: Wreck lies in deep water; specific depth unknown.

•GPS Coordinates: Approximate—43.3556 N, 78.1883 W

•Date of Wreck: November 22, 1862

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The C. Reeve was a Schooner, a prominent vessel type on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Built in 1853 by F.N. & B.B. Jones in Buffalo, New York, the Schooner featured a wooden Hull and two masts. It measured approximately:

•Length: 119 feet (36.3 meters)

•Beam (Width): 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Depth: 10 feet (3.05 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 280 tons

The Schooner primarily transported bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and other commodities, facilitating trade and economic development across the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

Notable Voyages

The C. Reeve had a distinguished career, including a notable 1858 voyage to Liverpool, England, carrying black walnut lumber. The return trip saw the vessel bring back crockery, highlighting its role in both regional and transatlantic trade. The Schooner was owned by W.H. Goodnow of Detroit, Michigan, and operated within the Great Lakes’ expansive network of commerce.

The Final Voyage

On November 22, 1862, the C. Reeve departed Chicago, Illinois, en route to Oswego, New York, with a cargo of corn. While navigating Lake Ontario near Oak Orchard, New York, the Schooner was caught in a severe snowstorm. Visibility was poor, and the ship collided with another Schooner, the Exchange, causing catastrophic damage.

The C. Reeve began to sink rapidly, but all crew members managed to abandon ship and board the Exchange, avoiding loss of life. The ship and its valuable cargo of corn were lost, with damages estimated at:

•$8,000 for the Hull

•$6,000 for the cargo

These losses were significant for the era, reflecting the financial stakes of Great Lakes shipping.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The C. Reeve sank within minutes of the collision, disappearing into the deep waters of Lake Ontario. After remaining lost for nearly 150 years, the wreck was discovered in 2009 near Oak Orchard, New York. There is some debate regarding the exact site of the collision, with Devil’s Nose, a nearby hazard, cited by some sources.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the C. Reeve. However, mariners navigating near Oak Orchard or Devil’s Nose should exercise caution due to the area’s historical significance and potential underwater hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the C. Reeve was identified in 2009 during underwater exploration. Its precise coordinates are estimated at 43.3556 N, 78.1883 W.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies in deep water, making it less accessible to recreational divers. Given its wooden construction and the time elapsed since its sinking, the wreck is likely in varying states of preservation, with potential for intact portions depending on depth and environmental factors.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.David Swayze Shipwreck Database

A key resource for historical data on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

2.Great Lakes Shipwreck Research

Provides insights into shipwreck discoveries and historical records.

3.NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

An excellent resource for understanding underwater preservation and shipwreck documentation.

CONCLUSION

The C. Reeve exemplifies the risks and challenges of 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Despite its robust construction and experienced crew, the vessel succumbed to severe weather conditions and the hazards of collision, underscoring the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation during that era.

Its discovery in 2009 provides an opportunity to further explore and understand the region’s rich maritime history. While not frequently visited, the wreck of the C. Reeve remains a poignant reminder of the Great Lakes’ role as both a lifeline for commerce and a graveyard for vessels.

KEYWORDS

C. Reeve, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Oak Orchard, Devil’s Nose, 19th-century Schooner, Great Lakes maritime history, shipwreck discovery 2009, collision with Exchange, snowstorm wrecks.