Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: S. C. Walker

•Type: Steamer (Screw Propelled)

•Year Built: 1862

•Build Location: Ogdensburg, New York

•Official Number: 22996

•Hull Material: Wood

•Owner: Company based in New York City, New York

•Tonnage: 108 or 89 (old measurement system)

•Propulsion: Screw

•Final Disposition: Lost in 1884

•Location of Loss: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The S. C. Walker was a wooden-hulled Steamer equipped with a Screw Propulsion system. Vessels of this type were essential during the mid-19th century, particularly for transporting goods and passengers across the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. The relatively small size of the Steamer, with a tonnage of 108 or 89 tons, suggests it was likely used for regional transport, possibly servicing the St. Lawrence River and nearby lake systems.

History

The S. C. Walker was constructed in 1862 at Ogdensburg, New York, a key shipbuilding hub during that era. The vessel was owned by a New York City-based company, indicating its primary routes or operations might have included both inland waterways and connections to Atlantic coastal trade routes.

Unfortunately, little is documented about the Steamer’s operational history. This lack of detail leaves a gap in understanding its role in 19th-century shipping, whether it transported passengers, goods, or fulfilled a combination of purposes.

Final Disposition

The S. C. Walker was lost in 1884, but no records provide specific details about the circumstances or location of the incident. This loss has remained a mystery, with no documented salvage attempts or discovery of wreckage. Potential scenarios for its loss include:

•A storm or severe weather event common on the Great Lakes.

•A collision, mechanical failure, or fire, which were frequent causes of wrecks during this period.

•Ice damage, given the harsh winter conditions that affected many wooden vessels.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck or remains of the S. C. Walker, likely due to the lack of discovery or charting of its wreck site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The location and condition of the S. C. Walker remain unknown. No wreckage has been identified, and it is not considered accessible for divers or researchers. If located, the wreck could provide valuable insights into the construction and operation of mid-19th-century wooden steamers.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: An invaluable resource for tracing records of Great Lakes vessels, including the S. C. Walker.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive database of shipwrecks, with entries for lesser-documented vessels.

3.New York State Maritime Archives: Potential for records related to Ogdensburg-built vessels.

4.National Archives: Historical enrollment and registration records might shed light on the S. C. Walker’s activities and ownership.

Conclusion

The S. C. Walker remains a vessel shrouded in mystery, with scant records detailing its service or its loss. Its story exemplifies the challenges of piecing together maritime history from fragmented records and undocumented events. While the vessel’s fate is unclear, its construction at Ogdensburg and ownership in New York City link it to a bustling era of trade and transport on the waterways of the northeastern United States and Canada. Further research into regional archives or potential underwater discoveries may one day reveal more about this enigmatic Steamer.

Keywords

S. C. Walker, Ogdensburg Shipbuilding, 19th-century steamers, wooden Hull ships, Screw Propulsion, New York maritime history, lost Steamer, Great Lakes shipwreck mystery.