General Pierce (also known as Frank Pierce or Franklin Pierce)

Vessel Identification and Site Information

• Vessel Name: General Pierce (alternate names: Frank Pierce, Franklin Pierce)

• Type: Two-masted Wooden Scow-Schooner

• Build Year and Location: 1853, Silver Creek, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 72 feet (21.9 meters)

• Beam (Width): 17 feet (5.2 meters)

• Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Tonnage: 64 tons

• Wreck Location: Approximately 5 miles west of Charlotte, New York, near Duck Pond on Lake Ontario

• Date of Wreck: December 2, 1854

Vessel Type Description

The General Pierce was a two-masted wooden scow-Schooner. This flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged vessel type was ideal for navigating shallow waters, making it a preferred choice for Great Lakes transport during the mid-19th century. Scow-schooners like the General Pierce were commonly used to transport heavy cargo such as coal, lumber, and general merchandise across the Great Lakes, providing essential trade connections between various ports.

History and Service

The General Pierce was constructed in 1853 in Silver Creek, New York, and quickly became an integral part of the Great Lakes shipping network, moving goods across Lake Ontario and other regional waters.

Voyage and Conflicting Reports

On December 2, 1854, the General Pierce departed on a voyage, facing a violent storm on Lake Ontario. Historical accounts differ regarding its cargo and route:

• Primary Account: The General Pierce was en route from Oswego to Hamilton, Ontario, carrying general merchandise valued at $32,000.

• Alternate Account: Another report suggests that the vessel was traveling from Cleveland to Detroit with a cargo of coal.

Regardless of the cargo and intended destination, the storm’s severity led to the vessel’s capsizing near Duck Pond, approximately 5 miles west of Charlotte, New York.

Final Disposition and Wreck Details

The storm proved too powerful for the General Pierce, causing the vessel to capsize and sink near Duck Pond. Fortunately, the entire crew survived, either by escaping in the ship’s lifeboat or by being rescued by a government lifeboat. Remarkably, the ship’s insurance had expired only two days before the wreck, on November 30, 1854.

Following the wreck, salvage crews located the General Pierce, and efforts to recover the vessel were successful by June 1855. The vessel was salvaged and reclaimed, demonstrating the resilience and determination of maritime recovery efforts at the time. As a result of this early recovery, the original wreck site does not contain remnants of the vessel today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Since the General Pierce was successfully salvaged in 1855, its wreck does not remain at the original sinking location. This salvage operation underscored the commitment of 19th-century salvage crews and the economic importance of vessel recovery on the Great Lakes. The story of the General Pierce provides insight into the challenges of early Great Lakes navigation and the tenacity of those who sought to reclaim their lost vessels.

Historical Context and Challenges of Great Lakes Navigation

The General Pierce serves as an example of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, where storms could arise suddenly and with great intensity. Scow-schooners, though well-suited for lake travel, were still vulnerable to severe weather, particularly when laden with heavy cargo. The early expiration of the General Pierce’s insurance policy adds an intriguing element to its story, highlighting the unpredictability of Great Lakes weather and the risks inherent in maritime trade during the era.

Resources for Further Research

For additional information on shipwrecks and the Maritime History of the Great Lakes, the following resources offer extensive historical data and site information:

• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary – Provides resources on historical shipwrecks and their preservation.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – A comprehensive digital archive with records on Great Lakes vessels, maritime incidents, and historical resources.

Conclusion

The General Pierce (also known as Frank or Franklin Pierce) met a tragic end on December 2, 1854, while navigating Lake Ontario during a violent storm. Although conflicting reports exist regarding the ship’s exact cargo and destination, the vessel’s sinking and subsequent salvage underscore both the hazards of early lake navigation and the determination of those who operated and maintained the shipping trade. The successful recovery of the vessel the following year highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of 19th-century maritime operations on the Great Lakes.