Identification & Site Information

•Name: Cattaraugus

•Type: Schooner (two-masted)

•Built: 1857

•Tonnage: 309 tons

•Final Resting Place: Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Cattaraugus was a two-masted wooden Schooner, a prevalent design on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners like the Cattaraugus were integral to the economic fabric of the region, specializing in the transport of bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and lumber. These vessels were known for their agility and ability to navigate the lakes’ often unpredictable conditions.

History

The Cattaraugus was launched in 1857 and immediately entered the bustling Great Lakes trade network. Its sturdy wooden construction and substantial 309-ton capacity made it an essential asset for its operators, capable of handling significant commercial shipments between key ports.

In October 1864, the Cattaraugus departed from Chicago, Illinois, laden with a cargo of wheat destined for Oswego, New York. The voyage proceeded without incident until the Schooner encountered a fierce storm on Lake Ontario. Gale-force winds and towering waves battered the vessel as it attempted to reach the safety of shore.

Final Disposition

The crew valiantly fought to save the Cattaraugus, but the relentless storm overwhelmed the Schooner. Water poured into the vessel, causing it to list and eventually capsize. The catastrophe claimed the lives of all but one crew member.

George W. Lewis, the lone survivor, managed to cling to floating debris amidst the storm’s fury. His remarkable endurance allowed him to survive until he was rescued by a passing ship. Upon reaching safety, Lewis recounted the tragic events, providing a vivid and sobering account of the Schooner’s last moments. His testimony highlighted the severe weather and flooding as the primary factors in the disaster.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Cattaraugus has not been definitively located. There is no record of modern exploration or discovery associated with the vessel’s remains.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

No specific NOTMARs are currently issued for the site of the Cattaraugus wreck, as its location remains unconfirmed. Mariners navigating Lake Ontario are advised to remain cautious due to the potential presence of other wreckage in the region.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: Unknown. If the wreck remains submerged, its wooden structure is likely to have deteriorated significantly over the decades due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario.

•Accessibility: Not applicable as no confirmed site has been identified.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed historical records of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of information on vessels, shipping incidents, and regional maritime heritage.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive resource documenting vessels that operated on the Great Lakes.

Analysis

The sinking of the Cattaraugus serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The loss of all but one crew member underscores the unpredictability of these waters and the devastating impact of severe storms. George W. Lewis’s survival story provides a glimpse into the harrowing reality of such disasters, immortalizing the bravery and resilience of Great Lakes mariners.

Keywords

Cattaraugus Schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 1864 storm, Great Lakes maritime history, Schooner disasters, George W. Lewis, bulk cargo Schooner.