Shipwreck Report: Schooner Flora Watson (1854)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Flora Watson
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: None (U.S.-built vessel)
• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
• Built: 1854, Milan, Ohio
• Tonnage: 290 tons

Operational History

The Flora Watson was a three-masted wooden Schooner built in Milan, Ohio, in 1854. She was primarily engaged in the Great Lakes grain trade, transporting cargo between major shipping hubs such as Toledo, Oswego, and Buffalo.

Typical Route:  Carried grain from the Midwest to Oswego, New York, a key export point on Lake Ontario. Oswego served as a transshipment hub, connecting Great Lakes commerce with the Erie Canal and Atlantic ports.

Notable Trade Contribution: The Flora Watson was part of the extensive grain transport network that supplied growing populations in the eastern U.S. and Canada. Vessels like the Flora Watson played a crucial role in 19th-century agricultural exports.

Final Voyage and Loss

• Date of Loss: November 2, 1862
• Time: Around 4:00 AM
• Location: 2 miles from the mouth of the Niagara River, Lake Ontario
• Cause: Collision with Schooner Harriet Ross
• Cargo at Loss: Grain
• Loss of Life: None

Incident Details

The Flora Watson was en route from Toledo, Ohio, to Oswego, New York, when she collided with the Harriet Ross, a former War of 1812-era Schooner. The collision happened in the early morning (around 4 AM), likely due to poor Visibility, navigational error, or unexpected course changes. The Flora Watson sank in 24-30 feet of water, close to the Niagara River’s mouth.The crew survived, but the vessel and its grain cargo were lost.

Legacy and Significance

Part of the Great Lakes Grain Trade  The Flora Watson was a Midwestern grain carrier, linking Ohio’s agriculture with New York’s export markets. Her loss represents the risks of high-traffic trade routes on the Great Lakes.

Collision with a Historic Vessel The Harriet Ross, which struck the Flora Watson, was a War of 1812 veteran, adding historical significance to the accident. This highlights the long operational lives of some Great Lakes vessels, many of which served for decades beyond their original purposes.

Early Navigation Hazards on Lake Ontario. Collisions were one of the most common causes of shipwrecks in the 19th century, especially in heavily traveled areas like the Niagara River approach. The accident underscores the challenges of nighttime navigation and the absence of modern radar and communication systems.

Wreck Site and Potential Remains

Location: Approximately 2 miles from the mouth of the Niagara River, in Lake Ontario.

Depth: 24-30 feet

Condition: As a wooden Schooner, the Flora Watson’s Hull would have deteriorated over time.However, artifacts, rigging, and cargo remnants may still exist on the lakebed.

Potential for Discovery: The wreck’s shallow depth makes it accessible for divers and side-scan sonar exploration. No widely known salvage attempts or recorded discoveries exist, meaning the site may still hold historical value.

Further Research and Resources

• 1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• • http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• • Features records on 19th-century schooners, shipwrecks, and collision reports.
• 2. Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society
• • Documents efforts to locate and protect historically significant shipwrecks.
• 3. Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society
• • Holds archives related to grain trade vessels and Niagara River navigation history.
• 4. New York State Archives & Ship Registers
• • May contain additional enrollment records and shipping reports for the Flora Watson.

Conclusion

The Flora Watson (1854) was a grain-carrying Schooner that played a vital role in Great Lakes commerce before sinking in 1862 after a collision near the Niagara River. Though no lives were lost, the wreck represents the risks of maritime trade, particularly in high-traffic shipping corridors. Her shallow-water wreck site remains an intriguing target for historical research and possible exploration.