The Schooner CANADA: From Commerce to Catastrophe

Identification & Site Information

•Name: CANADA (formerly WILLIAM GORDON)

•Type: Top-sail Schooner

•Built: 1836

•Builder: Wyllie, Wellington Square (modern-day Burlington), Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 91 feet (27.7 meters)

•Beam: 18.3 feet (5.6 meters)

•Depth: 8.9 feet (2.7 meters)

•Tonnage: 100 tons

•Home Port: Windsor, Ontario, Canada

•Owner: Charles Hunt, Chatham, Ontario, Canada

•Final Location: St. Lawrence River

•Date of Incident: Not specified

•GPS Coordinates: Unknown

•Depth: Not recorded

Vessel Type Description

The CANADA, originally launched as the WILLIAM GORDON, was a British top-sail Schooner. With its square rigging on the foremast and Fore-and-Aft Sails on the mainmast, this versatile vessel was built for navigating the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Its sturdy design and substantial tonnage of 100 tons made it ideal for transporting heavy cargo, such as produce, across these critical trade routes.

History

The WILLIAM GORDON was built in 1836 at Wellington Square, Ontario, by Wyllie, one of the era’s premier shipbuilders. Initially owned by Charles Hunt of Chatham, Ontario, the Schooner quickly became an integral part of regional commerce, linking Canadian and American ports. Its home port was Windsor, Ontario, and it was a regular sight on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River trade routes.

The vessel underwent significant changes and repairs throughout its operational life:

1.Rebuilding in 1840: The WILLIAM GORDON was extensively Rebuilt just four years after its launch, reflecting its value in regional trade.

2.Repairs in 1853: After years of service and exposure to the harsh conditions of Great Lakes navigation, the Schooner was repaired to extend its operational life.

The WILLIAM GORDON was later renamed CANADA, signifying a new chapter in its service. Renaming was a common practice for vessels undergoing significant changes or changes in ownership.

Final Disposition

The CANADA met its end in the St. Lawrence River, carrying a cargo of produce. The exact circumstances of its loss remain unclear, but historical records note that the incident resulted in the vessel being declared a Total Loss. The financial impact was significant, with damages estimated at $10,000—a considerable amount at the time.

While the ship itself could not be salvaged, the cargo was recovered and landed on the American shore in a damaged state. The loss of the CANADA marked the end of its nearly two-decade service, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and utility in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce.

Earlier Connections and Confusion

The WILLIAM GORDON shared its name with another Schooner built in 1838, also at Wellington Square. This smaller vessel, owned by William Moody of Kingston, was homeported in Hamilton. It met its own mysterious end, adding intrigue to the shared legacy of the two similarly named schooners.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the CANADA. The exact site of the wreck is not known to pose a navigational hazard today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the CANADA are likely scattered and deteriorated due to the passage of time and the nature of the wreck. No known explorations or recoveries have been documented, and the exact location in the St. Lawrence River remains unidentified.

Legacy

The story of the CANADA (formerly WILLIAM GORDON) is emblematic of the 19th-century maritime challenges faced on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Its transformation, resilience, and ultimate loss underscore the significance of these waterways in shaping regional economies and connecting communities. The Schooner’s dual identity and enduring presence in maritime records reflect its importance in the annals of Canadian shipping history.

Resources & Links

•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston: Archival materials and shipping records.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck data for the Great Lakes.

•WreckSite.eu: Database of historical shipwrecks.

•Archives of Ontario: Shipping and ownership records for vessels in Canadian waters.

Keywords

CANADA Schooner, WILLIAM GORDON ship, 19th-century shipwrecks, St. Lawrence River maritime history, Wellington Square shipbuilding, Charles Hunt Chatham, Great Lakes cargo trade.

This narrative of the CANADA adds a compelling chapter to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of 19th-century navigation.