A Troubled Journey on Lake Ontario #
The Beagle, a wooden propeller vessel, had a tumultuous history on Lake Ontario during the mid-19th century. Built in 1843 in Niagara, Ontario, the Beagle faced numerous challenges, including wrecks near Presque Isle and Port Hope. Join us as we delve into the story of the Beagle, its encounters with storms, and its ultimate fate on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Constructed in 1843 by the Niagara Harbour & Dock Company, the Beagle was a propeller vessel measuring 90 feet in length, 17 feet in beam, and with a tonnage of approximately 95 tons. It featured a single cylinder engine and two propellers, making it an early example of a screw-driven vessel.
Throughout its career, the Beagle changed hands multiple times. Initially owned by the Toronto & St. Lawrence Navigation Company in 1844, it later came under the ownership of Colcleugh & Greer in 1847 and J. H. Glassford of Montreal in 1849. These frequent ownership transfers were characteristic of the bustling maritime industry during that era.
The Beagle’s first recorded encounter with misfortune occurred in November 1847, when it was driven ashore near Presque Isle. Although the damage was slight, it foreshadowed the vessel’s future challenges. In October 1849, a violent storm caused the Beagle to be wrecked near the wharf at Port Hope. Despite hopes of recovery, the vessel remained stranded.
Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in either of the Beagle’s wrecks. However, the vessel’s fate was sealed in May 1851 when it was offered for public auction “as she now lies at Port Hope.” The underwriters, having salvaged the vessel, likely deemed it irreparable and decided to sell it in its current condition.
While the exact details of the Beagle’s fate after the auction remain unclear, there are suggestions that the vessel may have been salvaged and rebuilt under a new name. Some sources indicate that it may have been reconstructed as the “Hope.” However, the specifics of this transformation and subsequent career are not well-documented.
The story of the Beagle serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Ontario during the 19th century. It highlights the perils of storms and the difficulties in salvaging and recovering vessels after wrecks. The ultimate fate of the Beagle, whether it found new life as the “Hope” or faded into obscurity, remains a mystery.
The Beagle, a wooden propeller vessel, experienced a series of wrecks and misfortunes during its time on Lake Ontario. From being driven ashore near Presque Isle to its final wreck near the wharf at Port Hope, the Beagle faced the unpredictable nature of the lake and its storms. Whether it was eventually rebuilt as the “Hope” or simply became another forgotten relic of maritime history, the Beagle’s legacy serves as a testament to the challenges and uncertainties faced by vessels and their crews on Lake Ontario in the 19th century.
External Links #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
