Shipwreck Report: Schooner C.G. Alvord

Identification & Site Information

•Other Names: C.G. Alvoord, Charles G. Alvord, California (1849)

•Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner

•Build Year: 1849

•Builder: L. Shickluna

•Build Location: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

•Tonnage: 264 tons

•Official Number: 4389

•Final Voyage Date: December 1867

•Wreck Date: December 1867

•Location: Just east of Burlington Beach, near Stoney Creek, New York, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Condition: Total Loss; wreck stripped, cargo salvaged

Vessel Type Description

The C.G. Alvord, originally named California, was a robust three-masted wooden Schooner crafted by the prominent shipbuilder L. Shickluna in 1849. This type of vessel was instrumental in 19th-century Great Lakes commerce, known for its capacity to carry bulk cargo such as grain and its durability to withstand the challenging lake conditions. The Schooner featured a classic design tailored for efficiency and versatility, supporting the booming trade routes of the time.

History

The C.G. Alvord began its service in 1849 under the name California. Built in St. Catharines, Ontario, it was a vital cargo carrier on the Great Lakes. The vessel underwent significant repairs after running aground on Mission Island in Lake Huron during a severe gale in the winter of 1864-1865. Renamed the C.G. Alvord in 1863, the Schooner continued its service, playing a key role in transporting goods across the region.

Final Voyage

In December 1867, the C.G. Alvord embarked on what would be its final voyage. Laden with 150,000 bushels of wheat, the vessel was bound from Detroit to Toronto when it was caught in a violent blizzard on Lake Ontario. The relentless storm rendered the Schooner unmanageable, and it drifted uncontrollably across the lake. The vessel eventually grounded near Stoney Creek, New York, close to Burlington Beach.

Although the crew survived the ordeal, they were found in a frozen and exhausted state. The vessel, valued at $12,000, and its cargo, worth $18,500, were heavily damaged. The C.G. Alvord was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

After the wreck, the C.G. Alvord was stripped of all salvageable materials, including its valuable grain cargo. Owned by Stupinsky & Co. of Detroit at the time, the vessel was Abandoned near Burlington Beach. Its remnants were not preserved or commemorated, and the exact location of the wreck has faded from focus over time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site of the C.G. Alvord is believed to be located just east of Burlington Beach. However, given the salvaging operations conducted shortly after the incident, little remains of the Schooner today. The site is not marked or recognized as a designated dive location, and any surviving parts of the vessel are likely buried or deteriorated due to age and environmental factors.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The story of the C.G. Alvord encapsulates the challenges and unpredictability faced by Great Lakes vessels in the 19th century. Despite its robust construction and storied history, the Schooner succumbed to the violent weather conditions of December 1867. Its loss highlights the perilous nature of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during that era. While the physical remains of the C.G. Alvord may have been lost to time, its legacy lives on through historical accounts, serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of those who navigated these inland seas.

Keywords

#C.G.Alvord #CaliforniaSchooner #LakeOntario #StoneyCreekShipwreck #BurlingtonBeachWreck #GreatLakesShipwrecks #19thCenturyShipping