Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: William I. Preston
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Official Number: 26563
• Location: Southwest point of Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Not available (exact wreck location unknown)
• Depth: Not available (wreck remains unrecovered)

Vessel Type Description

The William I. Preston was a two-masted wooden Schooner built in 1861 by George Goble in Oswego, New York. Designed primarily for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, it was equipped with a Centerboard box to improve its navigation in shallow waters. Measuring 136 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth, the vessel had a Gross Tonnage of 391 tons (old measurement system). The single-Deck Schooner hauled bulk goods such as wheat, making it a vital part of Great Lakes commerce during its operational years.

History

Initially owned by Carrington & Co. of Oswego, the William I. Preston was an essential part of the Great Lakes’ trade routes. Over its 27-year career, the Schooner underwent multiple ownership changes and structural modifications, including the addition of a new Deck and Centerboard box in 1865, which increased its Gross Tonnage and enhanced its navigational capabilities.

The Schooner faced numerous challenges typical of the era, including:

• 1869: Sustained damage from a collision with the Milwaukee pier on Lake Michigan.
• 1871: Ran aground at the mouth of the Niagara River but was successfully beached and repaired.

Despite these incidents, the William I. Preston remained in active service, transporting essential cargoes like wheat from ports in Michigan, New York, and Ontario.

Final Disposition

On November 18, 1888, the William I. Preston met its end while carrying a cargo of wheat from Detroit, Michigan, to Ogdensburg, New York. A severe storm drove the Schooner ashore at the southwest point of Wolfe Island in Lake Ontario. The ship was declared a Total Loss. Efforts to recover the cargo were unsuccessful, and no recovery operations were conducted for the vessel itself. Its remains have yet to be located.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the William I. Preston has not been officially discovered. Despite its historical significance, no surveys or dives have pinpointed the exact location.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or navigational advisories are associated with the wreck. Its exact location remains undetermined, and there are no known hazards to navigation at the presumed site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to the absence of an official discovery, the condition of the William I. Preston is unknown. The remains are believed to rest near the southwest point of Wolfe Island, but without confirmed surveys or recovery efforts, the wreck is not accessible for divers or researchers.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime History: Explore records and narratives of shipwrecks in the region.
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive information on Great Lakes vessels, including the William I. Preston.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical shipwreck documentation and data.
• Brandon Baillod Facebook Post – Great Lakes Researchers

Analysis

The William I. Preston exemplifies the resilience and vulnerability of wooden schooners on the Great Lakes. Designed for durability and utility, it faced the unpredictable weather and navigational challenges typical of 19th-century maritime operations. Its sinking highlights the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation during the industrial era. Despite its loss, the vessel played a critical role in facilitating trade and economic growth in the region, leaving behind a legacy that underscores the importance of schooners in the history of the Great Lakes.

Tags

#WilliamIPreston #Schooner #LakeOntarioShipwreck #WolfeIsland #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #GeorgeGoble #CargoTransport #MaritimeTragedy