The story of the shipwreck of the scow-schooner General Pierce, also known as Frank Pierce or Franklin Pierce, is one filled with both misfortune and resilience. Built in 1853 in Silver Creek, New York, this two-masted wooden vessel measured 72 feet in length, 17 feet in beam, and 6 feet in depth, weighing 64 tons.
On December 2, 1854, while bound from Oswego to Hamilton, Ontario, carrying general merchandise valued at $32,000, the General Pierce fell victim to a violent storm on Lake Ontario. In the treacherous waters near Duck Pond, approximately 5 miles west of Charlotte, New York, the vessel capsized and sank. Miraculously, there was no loss of life as the crew managed to make it ashore using the ship’s lifeboat or were rescued by a government lifeboat.
Interestingly, conflicting reports regarding the ship’s destination and circumstances surrounding the accident arise. While some sources indicate that the General Pierce was en route from Oswego to Hamilton, others claim she was bound from Cleveland to Detroit with a cargo of coal. According to this alternate account, the vessel sought shelter under the point to escape a fierce gale but sprung a leak and capsized. The nearby propeller ship Ocean promptly dispatched a rescue boat, saving the crew from a perilous fate.
It is worth noting that the General Pierce had recently exhausted its insurance coverage, which expired on November 30. However, despite the initial loss, the vessel was eventually recovered the following June, demonstrating the tenacity and determination of those involved in salvaging the shipwreck.
The tale of the General Pierce serves as a reminder of the risks faced by sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Ontario. It speaks to the bravery of the crew members who faced the wrath of the storm and the swift response from fellow mariners to aid those in distress. The wreck’s eventual recovery stands as a testament to the resilience of maritime vessels and the enduring stories they leave behind.
