IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Originally York (renamed Eckford after sale)

•Type: Armed Naval Vessel

•Year Built: Pre-1807 (exact year unknown)

•Original Owner: British Royal Navy

•Location: Operated in the Great Lakes, primarily around York (present-day Toronto), Ontario, Canada

•Armament: 12 guns

•Status: Last documented as afloat in 1824

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The York was a small armed naval vessel equipped with 12 guns, typical of early 19th-century warships used on the Great Lakes. These vessels played critical roles in patrolling, escorting, and defending territories during periods of conflict, particularly in the War of 1812. Ships of this kind were often repurposed merchant vessels or newly constructed for local defense.

HISTORY

British Service

The York originally served the British Royal Navy on the Great Lakes. As part of Britain’s strategic defense network, the ship contributed to maintaining British control over vital waterways during a time of rising tensions with the United States.

Capture and American Service

In 1807, amidst rising hostilities, the York was captured by American forces near York (now Toronto). After its capture, the ship was retained for use in the American Great Lakes fleet and continued its service under the name York.

Following the War of 1812, the ship was sold and renamed Eckford. It likely served in commercial or auxiliary naval roles, as was common for older vessels no longer needed in active combat.

Postwar Service

After its sale, the Eckford continued to operate, transitioning into a period of peace. Its last documented status as afloat was in 1824. The lack of records after this date suggests it was likely dismantled or lost to time as it aged out of serviceability.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Fate: The ultimate fate of the Eckford remains unclear. No records indicate a dramatic end, such as a wreck or scuttling. It is likely the ship was retired, dismantled, or repurposed for civilian use.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Advisories: None. The vessel does not have a known wreck site or associated maritime advisories.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Eckford does not have a wreck site, as it was last noted as afloat in 1824, with no records of its sinking or abandonment.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Remains: The Eckford is presumed dismantled or otherwise lost, with no known preserved parts or artifacts.

•Accessibility: If any artifacts or components of the vessel were preserved, they may reside in maritime museums or private collections, but no such evidence has been documented.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime Museum of the Great Lakes: Potential records of naval and commercial vessels operating in the region.

•Library and Archives Canada: Historical documents related to naval actions on the Great Lakes.

•Naval History and Heritage Command: A resource for records of captured and converted naval ships during the early 19th century.

KEYWORDS

York, Eckford, Great Lakes naval vessel, War of 1812, British Royal Navy, early 19th-century ship, armed Schooner, Toronto maritime history, ship Conversion, 1824 naval history.