Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Belle of Hamilton

•Registry: Canadian (Hamilton, Ontario)

•Official Number: Not specified

•Rig: Schooner

•Hull Material: Wood

•Dimensions:

•Length: 89.6 feet (27.3 meters)

•Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

•Depth: 7.5 feet (2.3 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 101 tons

•Propulsion: Sail (Two masts)

•Date Built: 1857

•Builder: John Simpson, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Vessel Type Description

The Belle of Hamilton was a wooden Schooner constructed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Its robust design allowed it to handle the rough conditions of Lake Ontario while carrying grain and other bulk goods. With a capacity of 7,000 bushels of wheat, the vessel served as a vital link in the grain trade, which was essential to the regional economy in the mid-19th century.

History

Construction and Early Career

Built by shipbuilder John Simpson in Oakville, Ontario, the Belle of Hamilton was launched on May 23, 1857. Owned initially by Captain Malcolmson, the Schooner was an important vessel in the grain trade on Lake Ontario. The Belle of Hamilton had a storied career, marked by changes in ownership and enduring operational challenges.

Ownership Changes

Over its life, the Schooner saw several owners:

•George Farwell of Oshawa

•James Nolan

•William Sutherland of Belleville

These transitions reflected the dynamic and competitive nature of Great Lakes shipping during the period.

Notable Incidents

In 1871, the Belle of Hamilton was driven ashore in Frenchman’s Bay, Lake Ontario, while carrying a cargo of barley. Although the incident damaged the Schooner, both the Hull and cargo were insured, allowing the owners to recover from the loss. Insurance played a significant role in maritime trade, providing financial security for vessels regularly exposed to high risks.

Final Disposition

In 1884, the Belle of Hamilton sank in Lake Ontario, resulting in the Total Loss of the vessel. Salvage efforts recovered parts of the Schooner, and its wood was repurposed as firewood. The remnants were moved to Kingston, Ontario, where they were stored near a flour mill. By 1902, no usable parts of the vessel remained.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the wreck of the Belle of Hamilton.

•The final site is of historical interest but does not pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s exact site, believed to be near Kingston, Ontario, has not been formally documented or discovered in modern times.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Belle of Hamilton was dismantled, and its materials were repurposed. As a result, no significant wreckage remains at the presumed location. The site is inaccessible for diving and exploration, serving instead as a historical marker in Lake Ontario’s maritime legacy.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Toronto Globe (May 27, 1857)

•Port of Hamilton Vessel Register, No. 1 of 1862

•Marine Disasters on the Western Lakes during 1871, Capt. J.W. Hall

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Hanley Spur Historical Archive

Keywords

Belle of Hamilton, Schooner, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Oakville Shipbuilding, Frenchman’s Bay, Grain Trade, 19th-Century Shipping

Analysis

The Belle of Hamilton reflects the lifecycle of many Great Lakes schooners during the 19th century. Built during a time of rapid economic expansion in the region, the Schooner served as a critical link in the movement of bulk goods like grain, which fueled regional and international trade. Its history highlights the resilience and challenges of wooden sailing vessels, from operational hazards to changing ownership and eventual loss.

The Schooner’s ultimate sinking and dismantling underline the harsh realities of Great Lakes shipping, where many vessels succumbed to storms, accidents, or structural fatigue. While the Belle of Hamilton no longer exists, its story endures as part of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime history, illustrating the pivotal role schooners played in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the region.