Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Daniel G. Fort

• Year of Build: 1869

• Official Number: 6627

• Vessel Type: Schooner

• Built At: Tonawanda, NY

• Builder Name: J. Humble

• Material: Wood

• Number of Masts: 2

• Number of Decks: 1

Vessel Dimensions

• Length: 137 feet (41.8 meters)

• Beam: 26.3 feet (8.0 meters)

• Depth: 12.1 feet (3.7 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 339 tons

• Net Tonnage: 322 tons

Vessel Type Description

The Daniel G. Fort was a wooden Schooner built in 1869, specifically designed for transporting goods such as lumber and iron across the Great Lakes. At 137 feet long, the vessel was considered advanced for its time, constructed with second-growth white oak and innovative techniques for enhanced durability and stability. Capable of carrying over 450 tons of cargo, it was a workhorse in Great Lakes trade during its era.

History & Service

The Daniel G. Fort enjoyed a long and eventful career as a reliable cargo Schooner on the Great Lakes:

• 1869: Built in Tonawanda, NY, for the lower lake trade.

• 1871: Ownership transferred to interests in Dunkirk, NY.

• 1874: Involved in a collision with the Barge Eureka at Oswego, NY.

• 1882: Struck the Polk Street Bridge while under tow, requiring repairs.

• 1885: Collided with three vessels (Pathfinder, Cormorant, and Camden), causing significant damage.

• 1894: Entered its final year of service, under the ownership of B.C. Frost.

Despite heavy use, repairs, and multiple accidents, the Schooner earned a strong reputation among sailors and insurers for its sturdy construction and reliability.

Final Disposition

• Date of Wreck: November 27, 1894

• Location: Near the harbor entrance at Oswego, NY, on Lake Ontario

• Cause: Wrecked during a severe gale after losing its Towline and grounding on the already-wrecked Schooner Baltic.

• Final Cargo: None (the Schooner was “light” and not carrying cargo at the time).

• Outcome: Declared a Total Loss, valued at $6,000 and insured. All seven crew members were rescued by the Oswego life-saving crew.

The vessel’s grounding near the wreck of the Baltic created additional navigational challenges at the harbor entrance. Over time, the remains of the Daniel G. Fort likely deteriorated due to weather, salvage efforts, and the elements.

Located By & Discovery Date

• Located By: Local authorities and Oswego life-saving crew during the storm

• Date of Discovery: November 27, 1894

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the Daniel G. Fort. At the time of its grounding, it posed a hazard to navigation near Oswego Harbor due to its proximity to the wreck of the Baltic.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Daniel G. Fort was salvaged and left to deteriorate near the harbor entrance. Its wooden Hull, exposed to Lake Ontario’s harsh conditions, likely disintegrated quickly. Today, little to no visible remains are expected, though the wreck’s historical significance continues to intrigue maritime historians and enthusiasts.

Resources & Links

• Oswego Advertiser & Times: June 7, 1869, article detailing the construction and debut of the Schooner.

• Syracuse Herald: November 27, 1894, issue covering the wreck.

• Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Explore the William MacDonald Collection for detailed historical records.

• Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory: Information on Great Lakes vessels, including insurance and wreck data.

Conclusion

The Daniel G. Fort exemplifies the resilience and risks of 19th-century Great Lakes schooners. Despite its sturdy construction and long service, the vessel fell victim to the unpredictable and often treacherous weather of Lake Ontario. The actions of the Oswego life-saving crew highlight the early efforts to improve maritime safety, ensuring no lives were lost during the vessel’s final voyage. The Schooner’s legacy endures as part of the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Suggested Keywords

• Daniel G. Fort

• Oswego Harbor Wrecks

• Schooner History

• Great Lakes Maritime Heritage

• 19th-Century Shipwrecks

• Lake Ontario Gales

• Oswego Life-Saving Crew

• Dossin Great Lakes Museum