London (1852, Brigantine) – Historical Overview

Identification & Site Information

• Name: London
• Year Built: 1852
• Official Number: 72584
• Vessel Type: Brigantine (later re-rigged as a Schooner and used as a tow Barge)
• Built At: Garden Island, Ontario
• Builder: Dexter D. Calvin (D.D. Calvin)
• Original Owner: D.D. Calvin, Garden Island
• Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Number of Masts: 3

Specifications

• Length: 132 feet (40.2 m)
• Beam: 22.4 feet (6.8 m)
• Depth: 10.7 feet (3.3 m)
• Tonnage (Old Style): 318 tons (later adjusted to 338 tons in 1879 and 263 net tons as a tow Barge).

Operational History

The London was originally constructed in 1852 as a three-masted Brigantine, designed for carrying bulk cargo such as grain, timber, and other goods. Over the years, it underwent numerous ownership changes, modifications, and repairs, reflecting its long and versatile career on the Great Lakes.

Chronology:

• 1. 1852–1858: Owned by D.D. Calvin, one of the most prominent shipbuilders and maritime entrepreneurs of the era. The vessel operated as a Brigantine, supporting the growing lumber and grain trade.
• 2. 1858: Purchased by John Frazer and grounded at Big Sodus, NY, in a storm on October 20. The ship was salvaged and returned to service.
• 3. 1859: Ran ashore at Bar Point, Lake Erie, in July, requiring significant repairs.
• 4. 1864: Ownership transferred to Calvin & Breck, Garden Island, and the London was re-rigged as a 380-ton barkantine, increasing its cargo capacity.
• 5. 1870: Underwent large-scale repairs to maintain seaworthiness.
• 6. 1871: Suffered a broken rudder post on Lake Erie in October, necessitating more repairs.
• 7. 1876: Returned to the ownership of D.D. Calvin and associates, operating out of Kingston. The vessel was re-rigged as a Brigantine again and repaired extensively.
• 8. 1879: Registered as a 338-ton Schooner under Calvin & Breck, Kingston.
• 9. 1886: By this time, the London was owned by the Kingston & Montreal Towing Co. and used as a tow Barge, carrying bulk cargo while being towed by steam tugs.

Final Voyage and Wreck Event

• Date of Loss: October 2, 1886
• Final Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Cause of Loss: During a gale, the London was being towed by the Tug Ferris. The Barge was torn free from the Tug’s Towline and driven ashore by the storm’s powerful winds and waves. The vessel was declared a Total Loss.
• Cargo: None reported, as it was operating as a tow Barge.

Significance and Legacy

The London served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes for more than three decades, adapting to the shifting needs of maritime trade. Its history reflects:

• The Versatility of Great Lakes Vessels: The vessel’s repeated re-rigging and modifications showcase how ships were repurposed to meet changing economic demands.
• Challenges of 19th-Century Shipping: The London’s multiple groundings and final wreck illustrate the hazards of navigating the Great Lakes, including unpredictable storms and mechanical failures.
• Connection to Garden Island: As a product of D.D. Calvin’s shipyard, the London is part of Garden Island’s rich shipbuilding legacy, which was instrumental in Kingston’s economic development.

Current Status

There is no record of significant recovery or archaeological exploration of the wreck. Given its wooden construction and the dynamic waters near Oswego, the remains of the London may have deteriorated significantly or been scattered.

Resources & References

• C. Patrick Labadie Collection: Historical data on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.
• Canadian Registers and Kingston Archives: Records of the London’s ownership and modifications.
• Erik Heyl: Early American Steamers Documentation of 19th-century shipbuilding and maritime operations.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships