Identification & Site Information

• Name: Henri Rooney (also known as Henry Rooney)
• Type: Brigantine
• Year Built: 1868
• Builder: Garden Island, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 136 feet (41.5 meters) Beam: 25 feet (7.6 meters) Depth of Hold: 11 feet (3.35 meters)
• Tonnage: 295 Gross Tonnage
• Final Voyage: October 24, 1879
• Final Location of Wreck: Approximately 3 miles east of Charlotte, New York, Lake Ontario
• Condition: Sunk due to heavy seas; cargo lost; deemed a Total Loss
• Casualties: 1 life lost

Detailed History of the Henri Rooney

The Henri Rooney, built in 1868 at Garden Island, Ontario, was a Brigantine, a two-masted sailing vessel designed for versatility and durability. With a robust wooden Hull and a Gross Tonnage of 295 tons, it was a significant vessel for its time, capable of handling the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

Service and Operations:

The Henri Rooney was employed in transporting essential goods across Lake Ontario, including limestone and lathe, vital materials for industrial and construction purposes. This was a period when Great Lakes shipping was a cornerstone of commerce, facilitating trade between burgeoning industrial centers in Canada and the United States. The ship’s size and rigging made it a reliable carrier for heavy and bulky cargo, and it played a critical role in the transportation network of the region.

Final Voyage and Sinking

On October 24, 1879, the Henri Rooney embarked on its final journey, heavily loaded with limestone and lathe. Rough seas east of Charlotte, New York, caused the vessel to spring a leak. The crew’s efforts to save the ship were in vain, as the leaking worsened and the ship began taking on water rapidly. Tragically, the ship sank, resulting in the loss of one crew member. The wreck and its cargo were deemed irrecoverable, marking the ship’s end in the cold waters of Lake Ontario.

Legacy and Significance

The sinking of the Henri Rooney highlights the perilous nature of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Mariners faced constant threats from sudden storms, rough seas, and the limitations of contemporary shipbuilding technologies. This tragedy is part of a larger narrative of the hazards that shaped maritime commerce during the industrial age.

Though the precise location of the Henri Rooney wreck remains uncertain, it is part of the region’s rich maritime heritage. The ship’s story underscores the sacrifices made by sailors and the critical role of Great Lakes shipping in economic development during the 19th century.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: In-depth historical data on Great Lakes vessels and their fates.
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Vessel information and related archives.
• Local Historical Records and Newspaper Archives: Valuable context for the Henri Rooney’s operations and demise.

Conclusion

The Henri Rooney stands as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and the challenges of inland navigation during the 19th century. While the Brigantine’s final resting place may remain undiscovered, its story endures as a significant chapter in Lake Ontario’s maritime history, offering insights into the era’s economic and industrial transformations.

Keywords Henri Rooney, Brigantine, Shipwreck, Lake Ontario, Charlotte NY, Maritime History, Great Lakes Commerce, 19th Century Shipping, Limestone Transport, Shipbuilding at Garden Island.