Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Lord Elgin (formerly Syracuse, later Montreal)

•Official Number: 33457

•Type: Freight and Passenger Steamer

•Gross Tonnage: ~153 tons

•Dimensions:

•Length: 116 feet (35.4 meters)

•Beam: 21 feet (6.4 meters)

•Depth: 10 feet (3.0 meters)

•Year Built: 1845

•Construction Site: Oswego, New York, USA

•Builder: George S. Weeks

•Final Location: Lake Ontario

•Final Disposition: Wrecked, December 1856

Vessel Type Description

The Lord Elgin was a freight and passenger Steamer, originally built as the Syracuse in Oswego, New York. The ship was one of the largest vessels constructed for the upper lake trade in its time, designed for both cargo transport and passenger service. With a capacity of 350 tons and the ability to stow 2,000 barrels below Deck, it was well-suited for Great Lakes commerce. The vessel featured a well-appointed cabin on the main Deck, complete with ten state rooms, offering unmatched passenger accommodations for its era.

Powered by an engine built by Hart, Higham and Co. of Utica, following the Erickson plan, the vessel was both technologically advanced and robustly constructed. Its strong wooden Hull was thoroughly bolted, ensuring reliability in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Service

The Lord Elgin was launched in 1845 as the Syracuse from the shipyard of George S. Weeks in Oswego, New York. Built for Merrick, Davis and Co., it joined the New York, Oswego, and Chicago Line, serving the burgeoning trade routes of the Great Lakes. At its launch, the vessel was celebrated for its innovative design and substantial cargo and passenger capacities.

In 1852, the ship became Canadian-owned and was renamed Lord Elgin, marking its integration into Canada’s expanding maritime network. Its size and amenities made it a standout vessel for freight and passenger transportation.

Final Voyage and Wreck

In December 1856, the Lord Elgin met its demise on Lake Ontario. While specific details of the wreck are not provided, the incident reflects the inherent dangers of maritime travel in the mid-19th century. Harsh winter weather, shifting lake conditions, and the limitations of contemporary navigation likely contributed to the vessel’s loss.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: December 1856

•Cause of Loss: Wrecked (specific circumstances not detailed)

•Crew and Passengers: Casualty details not provided

•Current Status: The exact location of the wreck has not been identified or documented.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no specific NOTMARs related to the Lord Elgin. Given its wreckage status and the uncertainty surrounding its final location, mariners should be aware of the general risks associated with historical wreck sites in Lake Ontario.

Resources & Links

1.Great Lakes Ships Database

•Comprehensive data on vessels operating in the Great Lakes.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Records of shipwrecks, including the Lord Elgin.

3.Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Historical context and documentation of Great Lakes maritime activity.

4.Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing

•Archival details of vessels like the Lord Elgin.

5.Toronto Globe (December 5, 1856)

•News coverage of the wreck.

6.Preliminary List of Canadian Merchant Steamships, 1809–1930 (World Ship Society)

7.Oswego Daily Advertiser (May 8, 1845)

•Reports on the vessel’s launch and early service.

Conclusion

The Lord Elgin’s story is emblematic of the dynamic yet perilous maritime trade on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. Originally launched as the Syracuse in Oswego, New York, the vessel’s transition to Canadian ownership and its role in both cargo and passenger transport highlight its versatility and importance. Its tragic end in 1856 underscores the risks faced by vessels of that era, where even the most robust construction could not always withstand the challenges of the Great Lakes.

Tags

#LordElgin #SyracuseShip #LakeOntario #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipwrecks #CanadianMaritimeHistory #GreatLakesFreight #PassengerSteamer #HistoricalShipwrecks