IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: CITY OF TORONTO

•Type: Full-rigged Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1855

•Builder: Hayes Brothers, Toronto, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 168 feet (51.2 meters)

•Beam: 33 feet (10.1 meters)

•Depth: 19 feet (5.8 meters)

•Tonnage: 1,070 tons

•Final Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

•Date of Incident: November 18, 1858

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CITY OF TORONTO was a full-rigged Schooner, a three-masted sailing vessel designed for long voyages, capable of handling substantial cargo loads. Built to participate in Atlantic trade, the vessel featured sturdy wooden construction and proportions indicative of mid-19th-century maritime craftsmanship. Its large dimensions and tonnage allowed it to carry goods such as wheat, flour, peas, and oatmeal efficiently across regional and international trade routes.

HISTORY

•Construction & Service:

Built in 1855 by the Hayes Brothers of Toronto, the CITY OF TORONTO was intended for ambitious maritime operations, including participation in Atlantic and Great Lakes trade. The vessel operated across multiple trade routes, contributing to the growing commerce of the Great Lakes and beyond. Its robust design and capacity made it a valuable asset for carrying agricultural and other bulk goods between ports.

•Fateful Final Voyage:

On November 18, 1858, the CITY OF TORONTO encountered a devastating storm while attempting to enter Oswego harbor in New York. As the Schooner battled fierce gales and towering waves, its tiller broke near the rudder, leaving the vessel without steering control. In a desperate bid to stabilize, the crew dropped anchor near the harbor entrance, but the storm’s relentless force drove the Schooner aground near the piers outside the Breakwater.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Abandonment & Sinking:

After running aground, local tugs made valiant attempts to free the CITY OF TORONTO, but the efforts were unsuccessful. Stripped of valuable materials, the vessel was Abandoned. A subsequent gale in late November further destroyed the wreck, breaking it apart near the piers of Oswego.

•Cargo Loss:

The Schooner’s cargo of wheat, flour, peas, and oatmeal was also lost in the disaster. Despite this financial loss, the absence of crew fatalities was a notable relief, underscoring the skill and determination of those aboard.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the CITY OF TORONTO wreck site. Its location near Oswego harbor is well-documented, but shifting sediments and environmental changes may have obscured or scattered its remains.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The CITY OF TORONTO wreck was well-documented following the incident in 1858. However, modern surveys or archaeological efforts have not confirmed the precise condition or remaining fragments of the wreck near Oswego harbor.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the CITY OF TORONTO has likely been dispersed or buried under sediments due to the passage of time and subsequent storms. Its proximity to a busy harbor and environmental factors have further contributed to the deterioration or loss of physical remnants. If parts of the wreck remain, they may be accessible to underwater archaeologists or divers with appropriate permissions.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records and articles on historical Great Lakes vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation of shipwrecks in the region.

•Oswego Historical Society: Archives related to maritime events in the Oswego area.

CONCLUSION

The CITY OF TORONTO stands as a compelling example of the challenges and dangers faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. From its origins as a Toronto-built Schooner intended for Atlantic trade to its tragic demise in a fierce storm near Oswego, the vessel’s story reflects the resilience and courage of its crew. While its physical remains may be lost to time, its legacy endures in maritime history as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of early Great Lakes shipping.

KEYWORDS

•CITY OF TORONTO

•Schooner

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•Lake Ontario

•Oswego Harbor

•1858 Storm

•Maritime History

•Hayes Brothers Toronto

•Bulk Cargo Vessels

•Full-rigged Schooner