Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Polly M. Rogers
• Type: Schooner
• Built: 1870, Charlotte, New York
• Builder: George Hardison
• Dimensions: Length: 136 feet (41.5 meters) Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters) Depth: 4 feet (1.2 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 346 tons
• Net Tonnage: 328 tons
• Final Resting Place: Near Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not documented

Vessel Type Description

The Polly M. Rogers was a wooden Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Known for their cargo capacity and adaptability to rough waters, schooners like the Polly M. Rogers were essential in transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and lumber. These vessels were vital to the economic growth of the region, connecting ports and supporting industries across the Great Lakes.

History

The Polly M. Rogers was built in 1870 by George Hardison at Charlotte, New York. It was a robust vessel that served for two decades, carrying cargo across the Great Lakes. With a Gross Tonnage of 346 tons, it was well-suited for heavy loads and adverse conditions.

A notable incident occurred in 1889 when the vessel grounded on Starve Island Reef. Despite this, it continued service until 1890, when it met its end. While being towed from Fair Haven to Ogdensburg, New York, a severe storm broke the ship loose. The Schooner was driven ashore near Pigeon Island in Lake Ontario.

Final Disposition

During the storm in 1890, the Polly M. Rogers was grounded and declared a Total Loss. The vessel, valued at $9,300, and its cargo were deemed unsalvageable. Despite salvage efforts by the Kingston Wrecking Company, the Schooner’s remains were severely damaged, and the wreck was dismantled.

Salvage and Aftermath

The wreck resulted in a dramatic rescue operation, saving all nine people aboard, including the mate’s wife and child. The remains of the vessel were left to decay along the shoreline near Pigeon Island, with no further salvage possible due to the extent of the damage.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Polly M. Rogers highlights the perils faced by 19th-century sailors on the Great Lakes. Its loss emphasizes the challenges of navigating Lake Ontario, especially in severe weather. The Schooner’s story and the remnants near Pigeon Island serve as a poignant reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes A valuable resource for researching shipwrecks and maritime history.
• Kingston Historical Society Covers shipwrecks near Kingston, including the Polly M. Rogers.
• Historic Newspapers via Newspapers.com Archives with potential articles about the Polly M. Rogers and its wreck.

Key Details for Researchers & Divers

•Site Status: The wreck was dismantled after severe damage.

•Location Description: Near Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario, but no exact coordinates available.

•Historical Importance: A testament to the challenges of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century.