Identification & Site Information

• Name: Caroline Marsh

• Type: Schooner

• Year Built: 1852

• Builder: Port Hope, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 102 feet (31.1 meters)

• Width (Beam): 23.5 feet (7.2 meters)

• Depth: 10.4 feet (3.2 meters)

• Tonnage: 221 tons register

• Owner at Time of Loss: E.S. Vinden, Port Hope, Ontario

• Date of Loss: November 3, 1890

• Location of Loss: Near Fort Ontario, Oswego, New York

• Depth of Wreckage: The wreckage was widely scattered; precise depth is not applicable.

• GPS Coordinates: Exact coordinates are unknown, but the incident occurred near Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.

Vessel Type Description

The Caroline Marsh was a Schooner, a common type of 19th-century sailing vessel on the Great Lakes, specifically designed for transporting goods like coal, lumber, and grain. Schooners typically had multiple masts and were well-suited for the Great Lakes trade routes. With her dimensions (102 feet in length, 23.5 feet in width, and 10.4 feet in depth) and a tonnage of 221 tons, the Caroline Marsh was a mid-sized vessel, reliable for cargo transport across the busy and sometimes dangerous Great Lakes.

History

• Construction and Early Service: Built in 1852 in Port Hope, Ontario, the Caroline Marsh served for nearly 40 years, navigating the Great Lakes and carrying cargo, predominantly coal, between ports in Ontario and the broader region.

• Reputation: Known as a sturdy and reliable vessel, the Caroline Marsh represented the resilience of mid-19th-century schooners that connected Ontario with other Great Lakes ports.

Final Voyage and Incident Details

On November 3, 1890, while en route to Toronto with a load of coal, the Caroline Marsh encountered severe weather. After the weather briefly cleared, she attempted to make her way back to harbor but ran into further difficulties as she neared Oswego, New York. She ultimately ran aground near Fort Ontario.

• Rescue Efforts: Despite help from the Tug Cummings and the nearby Oswego Life-saving Station, efforts to save the Caroline Marsh were unsuccessful. A Towline from the Cummings snapped under pressure, leaving the Schooner to drift onto rocks near the life-saving station.

• Outcome: Although the crew was safely rescued, the Caroline Marsh began to disintegrate under the relentless force of the waves, ultimately breaking apart completely.

Final Disposition

The Caroline Marsh’s destruction marked the end of her long service on the Great Lakes. Despite the rescue attempts and the efforts of the Oswego Life-saving Service, the Schooner could not withstand the storm and broke apart. The wreckage was widely scattered, making it impossible to identify a cohesive wreck site.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Notices: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories concerning the wreck of the Caroline Marsh. The vessel disintegrated long ago and does not pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Caroline Marsh was never officially located in its entirety due to the widespread scattering of debris after she broke up on the rocks near Fort Ontario.

Resources & Links for Further Research

For additional information on the Caroline Marsh and other Great Lakes shipwrecks, the following resources may be useful:

• Great Lakes Shipwreck File by David Swayze – Contains historical records and details of various shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, including the Caroline Marsh.

• Great Lakes Maritime History – A digital archive providing access to historical documents, reports, and records of maritime history on the Great Lakes.

• NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries – NOAA’s Sanctuary focuses on preserving and studying shipwrecks, including those in the Great Lakes, offering valuable resources and insights.

Conclusion

The story of the Caroline Marsh highlights the perils of 19th-century maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Her final voyage reflects the challenges posed by unpredictable weather and mechanical limitations of the time. While the Schooner was lost, the successful rescue of her crew showcases the bravery and effectiveness of the life-saving services along the lakes. Although scattered, the wreck of the Caroline Marsh remains a small but enduring part of Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords: Caroline Marsh, Great Lakes shipwreck, 19th-century Schooner, coal transport, maritime history, Oswego shipwreck