Identification & Site Information

• Name: Plow Boy

• Type: Schooner

• Length: 58 feet (17.7 meters) originally, re-measured as 70 feet (21.3 meters)

• Beam: 16 feet (4.9 meters)

• Depth of Hold: 3 feet 7 inches (1.1 meters)

• Tonnage: Initially 31 tons, later revised to 29 25/95 tons (old measurement style)

• Built: 1816, Genesee, New York

• Final Resting Place: Near Six Town Point, New York, Lake Ontario

• Depth: Undisclosed, technical dive required

• GPS Location: Not disclosed

Vessel Type Description

The Plow Boy was a wooden Schooner designed for transport across Lake Ontario. Characterized by its single Deck and two masts, it was well-suited for carrying modest cargo loads over the lake’s often treacherous waters. The ship’s smaller tonnage and dimensions reflect its utility as a practical and efficient vessel for early 19th-century commerce, particularly in the salt trade.

History

Construction and Service

The Plow Boy was built in 1816 in Genesee, New York, and first enrolled in Oswego. Over the course of its service, the Schooner played an integral role in regional trade, particularly transporting goods such as salt—a valuable commodity at the time.

In 1821, the Schooner was re-enrolled in Genesee with adjusted dimensions, a common practice as vessels were often modified during their working lives. This re-enrollment also provided an updated tonnage record, reflecting the vessel’s slight dimensional changes.

Final Voyage

On December 15, 1822, tragedy struck while the Plow Boy was under the command of Captain Eadus. The Schooner, owned by Mr. E. L. Clark, was transporting salt from Oswego to the Bay of Quinte. Near Six Town Point, New York, the vessel succumbed to the harsh conditions of Lake Ontario, leading to its wreck.

While the Plow Boy and its entire cargo were lost, all crew members survived the ordeal. The incident was widely reported, including in the Ontario Repository, a newspaper in Canandaigua, New York.

Rediscovery

In 2021, Art Trembanis and his team from the University of Delaware discovered the Plow Boy wreck during equipment testing in Lake Ontario. This find added to the historical understanding of early 19th-century maritime commerce and ship construction on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

• Wreck Status: Preserved as a historical wreck, with remains identified through underwater surveys.

• Environmental Factors: The site lies in undisclosed waters with conditions likely suitable for technical diving.

• Condition: Intact sections of the Hull and scattered remains indicative of its wooden construction.

Exploration and Significance

Diving and Archaeological Study

The discovery of the Plow Boy presents an opportunity to study early 19th-century Schooner design and the trade dynamics of the Great Lakes. While the wreck is in undisclosed waters, its historical significance continues to attract attention from maritime archaeologists and enthusiasts.

Cultural and Historical Importance

The Plow Boy reflects a vital period in Great Lakes maritime history, showcasing the role of schooners in connecting communities and supporting commerce. Its loss illustrates the perilous nature of early shipping and the resilience of the crews who braved these conditions.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical accounts and ship records.

• University of Delaware Marine Studies: Updates and details on the discovery led by Art Trembanis.

Conclusion

The Plow Boy stands as a testament to the resilience of early Schooner design and the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation. Its rediscovery offers valuable insights into the commerce, culture, and challenges of 19th-century maritime operations. Though hidden from general diving access, its story enriches the tapestry of Lake Ontario’s nautical heritage.

Keywords & Tags

• #PlowBoySchooner

• #GreatLakesHistory

• #LakeOntarioWreck

• #MaritimeArchaeology

• #SaltTradeSchooners

• #HistoricalShipwrecks