Clayton

### **Category: Clayton, New York** #### **Overview** **Clayton, New York**, is a historic waterfront town located in the **Thousand Islands region** along the **St. Lawrence River**. It is a major hub for **boating, fishing, diving, and maritime heritage**, with strong ties to the **Great Lakes shipping industry** and the **St. Lawrence Seaway**. Known for its **maritime museum, classic boat history, and access to numerous shipwrecks**, Clayton is a key destination for **Great Lakes history enthusiasts and water recreation**. #### **Geography & Location** - **Situated on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River** in **Jefferson County, New York**. - **Near the Thousand Islands**, offering **spectacular views and access to international waters**. - **Close to Cape Vincent, Alexandria Bay, and the U.S.-Canada border**, with ferry access to Wolfe Island, Ontario. - Located along the **St. Lawrence Seaway**, where freighters and ocean-going ships pass regularly. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - Originally a **trading post and shipbuilding center**, Clayton became a major stop for **Great Lakes freighters and fishing vessels**. - Played a crucial role in the **logging, fishing, and boatbuilding industries** in the 19th and early 20th centuries. - The town’s **deep-water harbor** made it an important port for trade between **New York, the Great Lakes, and Canada**. - Today, Clayton remains a **center for classic wooden boats, shipwreck exploration, and maritime tourism**. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** - The **Thousand Islands region** has some of the **best freshwater wreck diving in the world**, with several **historic shipwrecks** near Clayton, including: - **The Islander (1909)** – A popular, shallow wreck near Alexandria Bay. - **A.E. Vickery (1889)** – A well-preserved schooner that sank after hitting a shoal. - **The America** – A wooden steamship near Singer Castle. - **Maggie L. (1890)** – A schooner that sank near Wolfe Island. - **Crystal-clear waters and minimal currents** make these wrecks excellent for divers. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Antique Boat Museum** – One of the world’s leading **wooden boat museums**, featuring historic vessels and classic **St. Lawrence skiffs**. - **Rock Island Lighthouse** – A **restored 19th-century lighthouse** offering scenic views of the **St. Lawrence River**. - **Clayton Opera House** – A **historic cultural venue** hosting concerts and events. - **Fishing & Boating** – Clayton is one of the best spots for **muskie, bass, and pike fishing**. - **1000 Islands Seaway Cruises** – Offers **scenic boat tours** exploring historic sites, castles, and shipwrecks. - **Wineries & Breweries** – Clayton is part of the **Thousand Islands wine region**, featuring **local vineyards and craft breweries**. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Strong currents in the St. Lawrence River** require skilled navigation for smaller vessels. - **Seasonal weather variations**, including **thick fog and ice conditions**, impact shipping and ferry travel. - **Seaway traffic**, including large freighters, poses navigational hazards for recreational boaters. ### **Why It Matters** Clayton is a **key maritime destination** in the **Thousand Islands**, offering a mix of **history, shipwreck diving, classic boat culture, and waterfront recreation**. Whether exploring the **Antique Boat Museum, diving historic wrecks, or fishing in the St. Lawrence River**, Clayton remains an **essential stop for anyone interested in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway heritage**.