Identification & Site Information

• Name: British Queen

• Registry: Canada

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1863

• Builder: R. Morgan

• Construction Location: Smiths Bay, Marysburg, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 90’ 3” (27.5 m)

• Beam: 23’ 10” (7.3 m)

• Depth: 7’ 10” (2.4 m)

• Tonnage: 117 tons (old measurement system)

• Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire on June 2, 1892

Vessel Type Description

The British Queen was a wooden Schooner, a type of fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel commonly used for trade on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Known for its graceful clipper bow and sturdy construction, it was built during the American Civil War, benefiting from favorable economic conditions under the Reciprocity Treaty. The vessel was capable of transporting bulk goods such as coal, stone, and grain, making it a valuable asset for Canadian maritime commerce.

History

The British Queen was launched in 1863 and registered in Picton, Ontario. Over its nearly three-decade service life, the Schooner changed hands several times, reflecting its utility in Great Lakes trade:

• Ownership Timeline:

• 1863: J.W. Langmuir, Picton, Ontario

• 1864–1867: Ownership shifted among Picton residents, including William Abercrombie and Charles S. Wilson.

• 1870: Acquired by Henry Braund, Port Hope.

• 1871–1872: Sold at Picton and Rebuilt under N. & O.J. Phelps, St. Catharines.

• Notable Incidents:

• 1865: Ran ashore at Wellington, requiring towing to port.

• 1871: Became waterlogged on Lake Ontario while carrying lumber, barely making it to Oswego in a compromised condition.

• 1883: Transported damaged wheat to Kingston; the cargo, though insured, was not sufficiently damaged for a claim.

• 1892: Destroyed by fire, marking the end of its service life.

Built to withstand the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes, the Schooner faced numerous challenges, including groundings and storms, reflecting the perilous nature of maritime operations during this period.

Final Disposition

The British Queen was destroyed by fire on June 2, 1892. The incident led to its removal from the registry on December 31, 1897, with the Schooner officially listed as “lost, destroyed, or broken up.” No remains are known to exist due to the vessel’s wooden construction and the nature of its destruction.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the British Queen.

Located By & Date

• Discovery: The vessel was destroyed by fire in 1892; no physical remains have been documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The British Queen was entirely destroyed by fire, leaving no known wreckage for exploration or preservation.

Resources & Links

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

• Cobourg Sentinel, November 11, 1865

• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, September 21, 1871

• Buffalo Morning Express, November 2, 1883

• Merchant vessel registration records (1863–1897)

• Belleville Daily, June 2, 1892

• Toronto Globe, June 3, 1892

Conclusion

The British Queen was emblematic of the robust schooners that traversed the Great Lakes during the mid-to-late 19th century. Built during a period of economic prosperity, the vessel served Canadian maritime trade with distinction. Despite its graceful design and utility, the Schooner faced numerous challenges, ultimately succumbing to fire in 1892. Its story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and resilience of Great Lakes maritime commerce during a transformative era in Canadian history.

Keywords

British Queen, Schooner, wooden Hull, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, fire, Marysburg Ontario, Picton Ontario, maritime history, 19th-century trade.