The Ill-Fated Schooner Beaver: Wrecked on Lake Ontario in 1861 #
The schooner Beaver, built in 1848 in Kingston, Ontario, met a tragic end in 1861 when it was wrecked on Lake Ontario. This incident adds another chapter to the maritime history of the Great Lakes, showcasing the dangers faced by sailors and the unpredictable nature of the waters. Join us as we delve into the details of the schooner Beaver’s final voyage and its ultimate demise.
Constructed in 1848, the schooner Beaver was a wooden vessel with a single deck. It featured two masts and had a tonnage of 200, according to the old measurement system used at the time. The ship was likely involved in various trade activities, transporting goods and commodities across Lake Ontario and the surrounding regions.
The Beaver’s ill-fated journey occurred in 1861 when the ship, reportedly formerly known as the Baltic and later renamed in 1857, set sail from an undisclosed location bound for Canada. It was traveling light, suggesting that it did not carry a cargo on this particular voyage. Unfortunately, while navigating Lake Ontario during a snowstorm, the schooner Beaver stranded on Nine Mile Point, which resulted in its complete loss. The treacherous weather conditions and the vessel’s unfortunate location contributed to this tragic outcome.
Following the wreck, the schooner Beaver was declared a total loss. The ship’s crew and any passengers aboard during the incident likely faced a perilous situation, but specific details about casualties or survivors are unavailable in the available historical records.
The wreck of the schooner Beaver received attention in various newspapers at the time. The Buffalo Commercial Advertiser of January 22, 1862, mentioned the incident in its Casualty List for 1861. An Oswego newspaper also reported on the event, describing how the vessel, which was heading from an undisclosed location to Canada without cargo, went ashore during a gale at Nine Mile Point, near its intended destination.
The wreck of the schooner Beaver in 1861 on Lake Ontario stands as a testament to the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The loss of the vessel serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes treacherous nature of the waters, particularly during severe weather conditions. The story of the Beaver adds to the maritime history of the region, highlighting the challenges and risks involved in shipping and trade during that era.
