IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Burlington was originally built as a brig in 1843 but was later converted into a two-masted wooden schooner. Vessels like the Burlington were common on the Great Lakes, where they were used for transporting bulk cargoes such as coal, wheat, and other goods. The schooner, with its solid wooden construction, was built to withstand the harsh conditions of the lakes, though it was not immune to the perils of Great Lakes navigation.
HISTORY #
The Burlington was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, by Sam’l. Turner & Ross in 1843. Initially built as a brig, the vessel was later converted into a schooner, a common practice as shipping needs evolved. The Burlington measured 80 feet in length, 21 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 117 tons.
Throughout its operational history, the Burlington experienced several significant incidents. In October 1853, the vessel went ashore at Cat Fish Creek, Ontario, while carrying a cargo of coal. A year later, in November 1854, while attempting to assist the stranded Canadian bark Globe near Port Burce, Ontario, the Burlington was driven hard aground on a reef and wrecked. Despite these setbacks, the vessel was repaired and continued to serve on the Great Lakes.
However, on October 30, 1868, the Burlington encountered a severe storm while carrying 5,500 bushels of wheat. The storm drove the schooner ashore approximately 3 miles west of Grimsby, Ontario, on Lake Ontario. The vessel was reported as a total loss, with no mention of any loss of life.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Burlington was driven ashore and wrecked during a storm on October 30, 1868, near Grimsby, Ontario. The vessel, along with its cargo of 5,500 bushels of wheat, was declared a total loss. The remains of the Burlington were likely scattered or buried by the elements, typical of shipwrecks in the area.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The current condition of the Burlington remains is unknown, as the vessel was reported as a total loss in 1868. The wreck site near Grimsby, Ontario, has not been extensively documented, and it is unclear if any significant portions of the vessel remain.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Burlington, schooner, brig, Great Lakes shipwrecks, Grimsby Ontario, Lake Ontario, 1868 storm, Sam’l. Turner & Ross, maritime history.
