Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Belle Sheridan

•Type: Schooner

•Location: Near Consecon, Weller’s Bay, Lake Ontario, Ontario, Canada

•Coordinates: Not specifically provided

•Depth: Unavailable

Vessel Type Description

The Belle Sheridan was a wooden Schooner designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Built in 1852, it featured one Deck and two masts, making it a typical example of mid-19th-century Great Lakes schooners. Its construction emphasized durability and functionality, meeting the demands of a growing shipping industry.

History

Construction and Ownership

The Belle Sheridan was built in 1852 in Oswego, New York, by A. Miller, a renowned shipbuilder of the era. The vessel measured:

•Length: 123 feet (37.5 meters)

•Beam: 23 feet (7 meters)

•Depth: 10.1 feet (3.1 meters)

•Tonnage: 256 (Old Measurement System)

Initially owned by Doolittle, Erwin & Co. of Oswego, the Schooner became a prominent player in the Great Lakes cargo trade. Ownership passed to Charles Davis in 1863 and then to Davis & Gaylord in 1866.

Service and Repairs

The Schooner underwent several repairs:

•1868: Significant structural maintenance.

•March 1873: Overhauled at A. Miller & Co. Shipyard.

Later, the Belle Sheridan was sold to Canadian owners. In 1877, it became waterlogged while docked in Toronto, Ontario. Despite being raised and Rebuilt, this incident signaled the beginning of its decline.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On November 16, 1880, the Belle Sheridan met its tragic end near Consecon, Weller’s Bay, in Lake Ontario. During its final voyage, the Schooner succumbed to the harsh conditions of the lake, resulting in the loss of six lives. This marked the conclusion of its nearly 30-year service.

By 1885, the vessel was recorded with a Gross Tonnage of 200.1, reflecting modifications made over its operational life.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Belle Sheridan remains near Consecon, Weller’s Bay, Ontario. The exact location and depth of the wreck are not documented. Its remains are presumed to be buried or scattered in the bay, contributing to the legacy of Lake Ontario’s maritime history.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site of the Belle Sheridan. Mariners navigating the area should exercise general caution, as Weller’s Bay has a history of shipwrecks and submerged hazards.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•The Great Lakes Shipwreck File

•Oswego Maritime History

Keywords

Belle Sheridan, Weller’s Bay, Consecon, Lake Ontario, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Schooner, 19th-Century Maritime History, Oswego Shipbuilding, Cargo Transport

Analysis

The Belle Sheridan exemplifies the resilience and risks of Schooner-based cargo transport during the 19th century. Its multiple ownership changes and repeated repairs highlight the economic importance and challenges of maintaining operational vessels in the demanding environment of the Great Lakes.

The Schooner’s tragic wreck in 1880, with the loss of six lives, underscores the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation, where even well-maintained vessels and experienced crews could fall victim to the elements. The Belle Sheridan’s story is a testament to the critical role schooners played in regional trade and the ever-present dangers of maritime travel in an era before modern navigation and safety systems.