IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Bolivar was a wooden schooner built in 1825 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Schooners like the Bolivar were essential to the maritime trade on the Great Lakes, carrying various goods between ports. The vessel featured two masts and was constructed from wood, typical of schooners built during this period. With a gross tonnage of 60, the Bolivar was a modest but reliable vessel for its time.
HISTORY #
The Bolivar was launched in 1825, beginning its service in the bustling trade networks of the Great Lakes. Over the years, the schooner passed through the hands of several owners, including notable figures such as Sheldon Thompson, George Miles Jr., Charles Townsend, George Coit, John L. Kimberly, Noble H. Merwin, and Charles M. Giddings. The vessel was well-known for its workhorse capabilities, transporting goods such as salt across the lakes.
However, the Bolivar met its tragic end in November 1839 during a stormy voyage from Oswego to Lake Erie. Laden with a cargo of salt, the schooner was caught in a violent storm on Lake Ontario. The vessel was driven aground on the Canadian side near Presqu’ile, where it sustained significant damage. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by a passing Canadian steamboat, and the Bolivar was towed into Presque Isle.
Despite the efforts to save the vessel, there is no evidence that the Bolivar was ever repaired or returned to service following this incident. The schooner’s last known registration was in May 1839 in Cleveland, suggesting that the storm marked the end of its operational life.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Bolivar was driven aground near Presqu’ile, Lake Ontario, during a storm in November 1839. The vessel was towed into Presque Isle but was likely beyond repair. There are no records indicating that the Bolivar sailed again after this incident, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The remains of the Bolivar have not been extensively documented, and no significant portions of the vessel are known to exist today. The site near Presqu’ile, where the schooner ran aground, is of historical interest, but the exact condition of any remnants is unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University
- Great Lakes Ships
PUBLIC DOMAIN PICTURES #
- No public domain pictures available.
Bolivar, schooner, Erie Pennsylvania, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Presqu’ile, 1839 storm, salt cargo, maritime history, Great Lakes.
