Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Ontario

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1810

•Builder: Porter, Barton & Company, Lewiston, New York

•Hull Material: Wood

•Decks: Single

•Masts: Two

Dimensions

•Original Dimensions (1810):

•Length: 65 feet (19.8 meters)

•Beam: 19 feet (5.8 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

•Tonnage: 87.57 tons (old measurement system)

•Adjusted Tonnage:

•1830: Reduced to 55 tons

•Post-1834 Rebuild: Increased to 64.33 tons

Final Location

•Wreck Site: Long Point Bay, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 42°38.11’N, 80°22.02’W

•Depth: 8 feet (2 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Ontario was a two-masted wooden Schooner, typical of the early 19th century, built to transport cargo along the Great Lakes. Its manageable size and sturdy construction made it ideal for navigating Lake Erie’s challenging waters.

History

Ownership and Modifications

•1810: Built in Lewiston, New York, for Porter, Barton & Company.

•1816: Ownership transferred to Hunter, Crane, and others in New York.

•1834: Rebuilt to increase tonnage and extend its service life.

•April 9, 1834: Owned by S. Hawley of Oswego, New York.

Significant Incidents

•Gale Damage (Early 1800s): Sustained damage to its cargo of timber, resulting in a reported loss of $1,820.

•Final Wrecking (October 20, 1840):

•Stranded in Conneaut, Ohio, during a storm on Lake Erie.

•Wrecked in shallow water, making it a target for salvage over the years.

Wreck Condition and Site Features

Current Condition

•The wreck is located in shallow water (8 feet / 2 meters) and is heavily overgrown with weeds, creating a challenging but visually rich dive site.

•Centerboards from the Schooner can be found onshore at Long Point, while its anchor is displayed in Port Rowan, Ontario.

•Other artifacts, including bottles, a stove lid, railroad tongs, and padlocks, have been salvaged over time.

Ecology

•The site has become a habitat for large bass and other aquatic life, particularly in the weedy summer months.

Diving Tips

•Visibility: Expect reduced Visibility due to the dense weedy growth, especially in the summer.

•Exploration: The wreck’s shallow depth allows for extended dive times and makes it accessible to snorkelers.

•Caution: Navigate carefully to avoid becoming entangled in the weeds.

Significance

The Ontario is an early example of Great Lakes Schooner construction and operation. Its long service life, multiple ownerships, and final resting place reflect the challenges faced by early maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its shallow wreck site serves as both a historical artifact and an ecological haven.

Associated Artifacts

•Anchor: Displayed in Port Rowan, Ontario.

•Centerboards: Found onshore at Long Point.

•Salvaged items include bottles, a stove lid, railroad tongs, and padlocks.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed vessel records and incident reports.

2.Local Historical Societies: Information on artifacts salvaged from the Ontario wreck.

3.Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: For guidelines on visiting and preserving historical wrecks.

Keywords

Ontario Schooner, Long Point Bay Wreck, Lake Erie Shipwreck, Wooden Hull Vessel, Early Great Lakes Maritime History, Shallow Wreck Dive, Port Rowan Artifacts.