Barge Tuscarora (1871–1885)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Tuscarora
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: C80912
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden unrigged Barge (formerly a sailing vessel or Steamer, later converted to a Barge)
• Builder: Calvin & Breck, Garden Island, Ontario (possibly H. Roney)
• Year Built & Launched: 1871
• Specifications:  Length: 135 ft (41.1 m) Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m) Depth: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 306 GT
• Net Tonnage: 306 NT
• Date Lost: October 4, 1885
• Location of Loss: Off the harbor entrance at Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Cause of Loss: Storm, struck bottom and broke apart
• Loss of Life: None of 8 crew members
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal

Vessel Description & Service History

The Tuscarora was built in 1871 at Garden Island, Ontario, by Calvin & Breck (some sources suggest H. Roney). Originally, she may have been a sailing vessel or Steamer, but by the time of her loss in 1885, she had been converted into an unrigged Barge for bulk cargo transport.As an unrigged Barge, she would have been towed by a steam Tug, carrying coal, lumber, or other bulk goods between Great Lakes ports. She was owned out of Prescott, Ontario, a known center for Canadian shipping and Barge operations.

Final Voyage & Loss

On October 4, 1885, the Tuscarora was in tow behind the Tug Proctor along with four other barges, including the Hattie L. Johnson.As the convoy approached the Oswego, New York harbor entrance, a storm struck, creating rough conditions.  The Tuscarora struck bottom near the harbor entrance lighthouse, causing severe structural damage. The Barge quickly broke apart, rendering it unsalvageable. The crew of eight Abandoned ship, but their small boat was unable to land due to rough waters. The Oswego Lifesaving crew successfully rescued them, ensuring no loss of life.

Final Disposition & Salvage

•  Declared a Total Loss after breaking apart.
• No record of salvage or wreckage recovery. 
• Any remains are likely scattered near the Oswego harbor entrance.
• No confirmed modern wreck site identified.
• Possible wreckage may still exist near the Oswego harbor lighthouse but has not been officially mapped.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Oswego, New York, has been a major Great Lakes port since the 19th century, with numerous wrecks near the harbor entrance due to its heavy maritime traffic and frequent storms. The Tuscarora’s loss highlights the dangers of unpowered barges, which were often at the mercy of storms and shallow waters when being towed.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Tuscarora was a Canadian-owned wooden Barge, serving in coal transport on Lake Ontario before her destruction in a storm near Oswego in 1885. Though her crew was saved, she was beyond repair after breaking apart near the harbor entrance. Today, her wreckage remains undiscovered, but she is one of many vessels lost near this historic Great Lakes port.