Identification & Site Information

• Name: Jura (formerly Marion)
• Registry: Canadian
• Official Number: 85411
• Rig: Originally a Schooner; converted to a Barge in 1865
• Hull Material: Wood
• Dimensions:
• Gross Tonnage: 98 tons
• Original Length: Not specified but consistent with typical Schooner dimensions
• Date Built: Marion in 1856; Rebuilt as Jura in 1865
• Builder: Amherst Island, Ontario, Canada
• Power: Sail (pre-Conversion)
• Location – “The Rock” Cape Vessey, Picton Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Jura, originally constructed as the Schooner Marion, served as a wooden-hulled sailing vessel before its Conversion into a Barge in 1865. This transition reflected the adaptation of older vessels to the changing demands of Great Lakes commerce, where barges were increasingly favoured for bulk cargo transport, such as grain. The Jura‘s Conversion extended its service life, allowing it to continue contributing to the region’s maritime trade.

History

Construction and Early Life as Marion

Built in 1856 on Amherst Island, Ontario, the Schooner Marion was designed for the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of its time, it likely transported cargo such as grain or lumber.

Conversion to Jura

In 1865, the vessel underwent significant modifications, transitioning into a Barge and adopting the name Jura. This change was part of a broader trend in repurposing aging sailing vessels to meet the increasing demand for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On October 24, 1885, while en route from Oswego to Charlotte with a cargo of barley, the Jura ran aground near Gull Island on Lake Ontario due to navigational errors. The wrecking Steamer John A. McDonald attempted to salvage the vessel, but worsening weather and a gaping hole in the Hull thwarted recovery efforts.

Key details from the wreck:

Cargo: Approximately 1,200 bushels of barley, valued at $3,000, were lost. The cargo was insured by the Commercial Union.

Efforts: Salvors removed rigging and sails, but the grain recovered was insufficient to cover salvage costs.

Outcome: The Jura was battered by waves, driven back over a bar, and fell apart by the following day. The Globe (November 4, 1885) reported the vessel’s final disintegration.

Final Disposition

The Jura was declared a Total Loss following the grounding at Gull bar in October 1885. The wreck was Abandoned, with much of the vessel destroyed by weather and salvors recovering whatever materials they could all that remains is a battered pile of planks, big Windlass, plank’s resting in 60 feet 20 metres of water.

NOTMARs & Advisories

NOTMARs: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with this wreck.

Advisories: None currently in effect; the wreck site may pose minimal hazards due to its condition and location.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Jura was heavily salvaged, and subsequent storms likely dispersed much of the remaining wreckage. It is unlikely that significant remnants remain accessible for exploration or diving. Any remaining fragments are of limited historical interest, primarily for maritime historians studying converted vessels or 19th-century salvage operations.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The story of the Jura demonstrates great Lakes during the 19th century. From its initial construction as a Schooner to its Conversion into a Barge, the Jura’s lifecycle reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the era. Its loss highlights the perils of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during autumn storms, and the logistical challenges of salvage operations in the 19th century.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• The Globe Archives (November 4, 1885)
• Willis Metcalfe ‘s Canvas and Steam pg 68

Keywords

#Jura #Marion #GreatLakesShipwreck#LakeOntario #GullIsland #SchoonerToBarge #GrainTransport #19thCenturyMaritimeHistory #Shipwreck

Conclusion

The Jura, formerly Marion, serves as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Great Lakes vessels. Its transformation from Schooner to Barge highlights the evolving demands of maritime commerce, while its tragic loss near Gull Island encapsulates the dangers faced by 19th-century mariners. Although little remains of the wreck today, its story continues to enrich the historical tapestry of the Great Lakes.