IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Admiral was a scow-built schooner, a common type of vessel during the mid-19th century on the Great Lakes. Scows were flat-bottomed boats, typically with a broad beam, making them stable and suitable for carrying heavy cargoes. The Admiral had two masts and was primarily constructed of wood, featuring a single deck. The vessel was built for durability, as indicated by its A1 hull rating.
HISTORY #
The Admiral was launched in 1852 at Port Hope, Ontario, with George Wright as its original owner. Over the years, the vessel changed hands several times, with notable owners including G.M. Post of Oswego, New York, and later Myles and Bro. of Hamilton. In 1861, the schooner underwent significant refastening and strengthening to ensure its seaworthiness.
The vessel’s history was relatively uneventful until November 4, 1867, when it met its tragic end at Toronto Point on Lake Ontario. Reports indicate that the Admiral was wrecked during a gale that struck the area. However, there is some ambiguity in the historical records, with some sources suggesting the wreck occurred as late as 1874.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Admiral was wrecked at Toronto Point, Lake Ontario, during a gale on November 4, 1867. The wreck was a total loss, and the vessel, valued at £1,200 Sterling, was noted for its A1 hull and A1* stores. Unfortunately, the specific circumstances of the wreck are not well-documented, leaving some details to speculation. During the same gale, another schooner, the Orion (also owned by Myles Bros.), was stranded but managed to be refloated without significant damage.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The exact location of the wreck of the Admiral is not specified in historical records, and it remains unclear whether any remnants of the vessel are accessible today. Given the time that has passed since the wreck, it is unlikely that significant remains are available for diving or exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
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- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
