Identification & Site Information

• •Name: The Briton (originally S. & J. Collier)
• •Type: Schooner
• •Length: 106 feet 6 inches (32.5 meters)
• •Beam: 23 feet 8 inches (7.2 meters)
• •Depth of Hold: 8 feet 7 inches (2.6 meters)
• •Tonnage: 146 tons
• •Built: 1872, South Marysburg Township, Prince Edward County, Ontario
• •Builder: John Tait
• •Final Resting Place: Mudlunta Island, St. Lawrence River, near Gananoque, Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Briton was a Schooner built for both speed and utility, a hallmark of maritime ingenuity in 19th-century North America. Designed to navigate shallow waters while carrying heavy cargo, the vessel’s graceful lines and robust construction epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgized the workhorse qualities required for Great Lakes commerce. Its clipper bow and efficient rigging made it a versatile vessel, capable of participating in competitive races as well as fulfilling its primary role in trade.

History

Early Years as S. & J. Collier

Built in 1872 by John Tait, the Schooner was named after its first owners, Saul and John Collier, prominent maritime figures. With Captain Robert Snetsinger as its first master, the Schooner quickly became integral to the barley trade, which was a cornerstone of commerce in Prince Edward County. The S. & J. Collier was not only a vital cargo transporter but also a participant in the Great Lakes’ lively and competitive shipping culture.

Notable Races

The vessel engaged in spirited races, notably against the Schooner Nellie Hunter, where its agility and design were tested to the limits. These races added a layer of excitement and prestige to its operations, as speed often determined profitability in reaching markets first.

Transformations and New Ownership

By the 1890s, the S. & J. Collier was registered in Port Hope, Ontario. In 1902, under Captain Vandusen of Picton, the vessel underwent significant changes. Repainted white and renamed The Briton, the Schooner continued to ply its trade. However, the early 20th century saw the decline of traditional schooners as newer shipping technologies emerged.

Final Years

By 1910, The Briton had ceased active service. The Schooner spent 15 years as a stationary landmark before being Abandoned near Mudlunta Island. Over the decades, the vessel succumbed to natural decay, leaving behind fragments as a silent testament to its storied past.

Final Disposition

• •Wreck Status: Scattered remains on the riverbed, primarily Hull fragments and other structural elements.
• •Accessibility: Located in shallow waters near Mudlunta Island, it is accessible to divers and underwater archaeologists.
• •Conditions: Relatively tranquil location, offering clear water conditions suitable for exploration.

Significance

The Briton’s history captures the essence of 19th-century maritime life, reflecting the economic, cultural, and technological aspects of the era. It symbolizes the transition from wooden sailing vessels to modern shipping and serves as an educational and cultural resource for maritime enthusiasts.

Exploring the Wreck

The shallow waters of Mudlunta Island make this site accessible for divers and historians. Although time and the elements have reduced much of the ship to fragments, these remains still offer invaluable insights into shipbuilding techniques and the daily operations of Great Lakes schooners.

Resources & Links

• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records and accounts of schooners like The Briton.
• •Thousand Islands Life: Exploration of the Thousand Islands’ rich maritime history.

Conclusion

The Briton, from its beginnings as the S. & J. Collier to its final resting place near Gananoque, serves as a vivid reminder of the heyday of schooners on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Its story of resilience, competition, and eventual decline mirrors the trajectory of an entire era in maritime history, keeping alive the legacy of the wooden ships that were once the lifeblood of commerce and culture.

Keywords & Tags

#TheBriton #SJCcollier #GreatLakesSchooner #MaritimeHistory #ThousandIslandsShipwrecks #BarleyTradeVessels