HENRY CLAY: Tragic Tale of Storm and Sorrow
Identification & Site Information
• Name: HENRY CLAY
• Former Names: None recorded
• Registration Number(s): Nil
• Date Built and Launched: 1831
• Measurements: Exact dimensions unrecorded
• Date Lost: July 19, 1831 (approximate)
Vessel Type
The HENRY CLAY was a two-masted Schooner crafted for cargo transport.
Description
Constructed in Oswego, New York, the HENRY CLAY embarked on its maiden voyage in 1831 under the command of Captain Campbell. Built by H. Fitzhugh, it was primarily intended for cargo operations, demonstrated by its shipment of salt barrels during its final voyage.
The ship departed Oswego bound for Cleveland, navigating Lake Ontario via the Welland Canal. It carried 7–800 barrels of salt, a heavy cargo for the relatively small vessel.
History
As the HENRY CLAY ventured into the open waters of Lake Ontario, a sudden and violent squall overcame it roughly 10–12 miles off the coast of Port Dalhousie, Ontario. This storm overwhelmed the ship’s capabilities, capsizing and sinking it rapidly. Accounts indicate that of the eleven individuals aboard, only three survived the ordeal, rescued by the Steamer CANADA, which was travelling nearby.
The vessel’s construction and handling were factors in its demise. Historical analyses suggest the captain lacked experience with lake sailing, contributing to poor decision-making during the storm.
Final Disposition
The wreckage of the HENRY CLAY remains undiscovered, resting somewhere in the depths of Lake Ontario.
Located By & Date Found
No records indicate the wreck has been located as of yet.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No official advisories or obstructions related to this site are reported.
Resources & Links
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion
The HENRY CLAY’s story is a testament to the treacherous conditions faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes. It remains a poignant chapter in Lake Ontario’s maritime history, with its wreck a potential archaeological and historical site waiting to be discovered.
Suggested Keywords
• Lake Ontario shipwrecks
• Early schooners
• Maritime disasters
• Great Lakes storms
Categories
• 19th Century Great Lakes Navigation
• Shipwreck History
• Maritime Archaeology
Glossary Terms
• Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts.
• Squall: A sudden and violent windstorm, often with precipitation.
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