Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Washington (later renamed Lady Washington)
• Vessel Type: Schooner (originally built as a sloop)
• Year Built: 1797
• Builder: Eliphalet Beebe, Connecticut carpenter
• Construction Site: Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
• Dimensions: Carrying capacity of 36 tons
• Ownership: Pennsylvania Population Company
• Flag: United States, later British (as Lady Washington)
• Location of Wreck: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Approximate – Latitude 43.43638, Longitude -76.70535
• Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The Washington was initially constructed as a sloop, later converted into a Schooner, a common adaptation to improve stability and cargo capacity. Built in 1797 by Eliphalet Beebe, the vessel was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Population Company to transport settlers and supplies to the newly developing regions around Lake Erie. Its construction marked a significant milestone as the first sloop built on Lake Erie, pioneering the use of sailing vessels on the inland waters of the Great Lakes.

History

The Washington was launched on September 15, 1798, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Its maiden voyage to Fort Erie symbolized the beginning of its service in supporting the settlement and development of the northern frontier. The vessel was pivotal in transporting people and goods, playing a critical role in the Pennsylvania Population Company’s efforts to populate and cultivate the Erie region.

In a groundbreaking moment, the Washington was transported on wheels to Lake Ontario. Once in Lake Ontario, it operated under the British flag, renamed Lady Washington, reflecting its dual history of service under both American and British control. This transition underscored the shared economic and navigational challenges on the Great Lakes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Final Disposition

The Washington, renamed Lady Washington, met a tragic end in 1803. While en route from Kingston, Ontario, to Niagara, Ontario, the vessel was caught in a fierce storm on Lake Ontario. It Foundered near Oswego, New York, marking the end of its historic career. No details are recorded about the fate of its crew or cargo during this final voyage.

Significance

The Washington holds a place of prominence as the oldest confirmed commercial sailing ship on the Great Lakes. Its construction and service represent the dawn of Great Lakes maritime commerce and the integration of these waterways into broader economic networks. The vessel’s ability to sail in both Lakes Erie and Ontario was unprecedented, symbolizing ingenuity and ambition during the era of settlement and development.

The transition of the Washington to British control as the Lady Washington illustrates the complex relationships between the United States and Canada during the early 19th century, especially concerning trade and territorial exploration.

Current Condition

The wreck of the Washington lies near Oswego, New York, in Lake Ontario. While the exact condition and accessibility of the wreck are not detailed, it is an artifact of immense historical value. Further exploration or documentation of the site could yield valuable insights into early shipbuilding techniques and the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical accounts of vessels like the Washington/Lady Washington.
• Herman Runge List of Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes: Records of early Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Shipwreckworld Located and documented the Washington
• WXXI News News story about relocated the Washington
• Wikipedia
• CNN – Contains 3 Videos

Keywords

Washington, Lady Washington, Sloop, Schooner, Lake Ontario, Oswego New York, Early Great Lakes Commerce, Pennsylvania Population Company, Eliphalet Beebe, 18th-century maritime history, Shipwreck.

Conclusion

The Washington (Lady Washington) serves as a crucial chapter in the history of the Great Lakes, marking numerous firsts in its time. As the earliest confirmed commercial sailing ship built for Lake Erie and later Lake Ontario, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resolve of early shipbuilders and mariners. Despite its untimely loss in 1803, the vessel’s story endures, enriching our understanding of the region’s development and the critical role of maritime commerce in shaping the Great Lakes.

Youtube Video