Identification & Site Information

•Name: Highland Beauty

•Vessel Type: Schooner

•Length: 80 feet (24.4 meters)

•Beam: 15.9 feet (4.85 meters)

•Depth: 6.6 feet (2.01 meters) (final recorded depth)

•Material: Wood

•Mast: One

•Location of Wreck: Near the end of Market Street, Cape Vincent, NY, St. Lawrence River

•Depth at Wreck Site: Approximately 12 to 15 feet (3.6 to 4.6 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Highland Beauty was a classic late 19th-century wooden Schooner, a versatile and essential vessel for bulk cargo transportation. Its single mast and shallow Draft made it adept at navigating inland waterways like the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Designed primarily for the lumber trade, it could carry substantial loads efficiently, making it a reliable vessel in its era.

History

Built in 1876 in Oakville, Ontario, the Highland Beauty had a storied career transporting lumber and other goods. The Schooner changed hands multiple times, with owners including William McCraney, Cheney of Toronto, and James Quinn. It underwent significant rebuilds in 1882 and 1902, reflecting its value as a durable workhorse of Great Lakes commerce.

The Schooner typically hauled lumber, capable of carrying up to 65,000 feet of lumber. However, during its final voyage on November 13, 1905, it was laden with peas. Commanded by Captain William Lobb, the vessel met its end in Cape Vincent, NY, when it struck the town dock, possibly during a storm. Despite salvage efforts, the Schooner was deemed unsalvageable and Abandoned.

Final Disposition

•Date Wrecked: November 13, 1905

•Event: Struck the town dock in Cape Vincent, NY, and sank in shallow water while carrying peas.

•Result: Declared a Total Loss and Abandoned.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Wreck Condition: The Highland Beauty’s remains lie in shallow water (12–15 feet) near the old town dock. Structural elements, including timbers, ribs, and planks, are scattered across the site. Artifacts like a block and tackle and wood cleats are also visible, offering insight into the vessel’s construction and usage.

•Accessibility:

•Suitable for divers of all levels due to the shallow depth.

•Clear Visibility and calm waters make it an ideal exploration site.

•Dive Highlights: Explore structural remnants of the Schooner alongside features of the historic dock.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Local Historical Archives: Provide records and old newspapers documenting the wreck and its historical context.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

•No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or hazards are associated with this site.

Conclusion

The Highland Beauty wreck presents an engaging dive site that connects explorers with the region’s maritime past. Its accessibility and shallow location make it an excellent destination for divers, historians, and underwater archaeologists. The scattered remnants provide a direct link to 19th-century Great Lakes shipping and its challenges.

Keywords

Highland Beauty, Schooner, Shipwreck, Cape Vincent, St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes, Maritime History, Diving, Underwater Archaeology, 19th Century Shipping