Identification & Site Information

•Name: Eagle

•Type: Durham Boat

•Year Built: 1817

•Builder: Black Rock, New York

•Dimensions:

•Length: 76.3 feet (23.2 meters)

•Width: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

•Depth: 2.9 feet (0.88 meters)

•Tonnage: Capacity to carry 25-42 tons or 95 Old Style barrels

•Owners: William Davison, James Sloan, and John H. Davison (Buffalo, New York)

•Date Lost: October 1828

•Final Location: Near Fox Island, Cape Vincent, Lake Ontario

•Depth: Not specified, likely shallow given the vessel’s design and location

Vessel Type Description

The Eagle was a Durham Boat, a flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged cargo vessel renowned for its versatility and robustness. Durham Boats, with their long, narrow hulls and shallow drafts, were capable of navigating both rivers and lakes, even in shallow waters. These vessels were often poled upstream and were vital for moving goods in the Great Lakes and riverine systems of North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Built in 1817, the Eagle was an example of a larger Durham Boat, able to carry up to 42 tons of cargo. Its capacity and durable construction made it indispensable for trade and transport, especially in the growing economy of the Great Lakes region.

History

The Eagle was constructed at Black Rock, New York, near Buffalo, which was emerging as a hub for trade on the Great Lakes. Owned by prominent merchants William Davison, James Sloan, and John H. Davison, the vessel played a critical role in transporting timber, barrels of produce, and other commodities.

Durham Boats were essential during the early 19th century, as they connected remote regions to major markets. The Eagle was one of many such vessels that contributed to the region’s economic development.

Final Voyage and Sinking:

In October 1828, the Eagle met its end near Fox Island, Cape Vincent, in Lake Ontario. While the exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, it likely reflects the challenges of navigating Lake Ontario, with its unpredictable weather and waves. The wreck marked the conclusion of the Eagle’s service, leaving it as a relic of an important era in Great Lakes maritime history.

Final Disposition

The Eagle sank near Fox Island, resting on the lakebed. Its likely shallow resting place, characteristic of Durham Boats, adds to its accessibility for exploration. However, the wreck’s exact depth and condition are not documented.

Significance of the Site

The Eagle’s wreck represents the challenges of early 19th-century navigation and the importance of Durham Boats in shaping the economic landscape of the Great Lakes. It serves as a tangible connection to a period when these vessels were the backbone of trade and transport.

The site is historically valuable, offering insights into the design, construction, and operation of Durham Boats. It provides an educational opportunity to understand the role of these vessels in the region’s development.

Future Exploration and Preservation

Efforts to explore and document the Eagle could yield important information about early maritime practices. Preservation initiatives should aim to protect the wreck from disturbances while making it accessible for research and education.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records on shipwrecks and maritime history.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Advocacy and preservation of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.

•Shipwreck Stories: Updates and narratives on historic shipwrecks, including the Eagle.

Keywords

Eagle, Durham Boat, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Black Rock NY, Fox Island, Cape Vincent, Maritime History, Great Lakes Commerce, 19th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Preservation.

The Eagle stands as a testament to the innovation and resilience of early maritime commerce, reminding us of the pivotal role Durham Boats played in shaping the economic landscape of the Great Lakes.