NAPOLEON

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Name: Napoleon
Type: Wooden Schooner
Year Built: 1833
Length: Not specifically documented, but typical schooners of this era ranged from 20 to 30 meters (65 to 98 feet) in length.
Location: Lake Ontario, near Galloo Island, New York.
Depth: The wreck is believed to be at a depth of approximately 55 meters (30 fathoms, 180 feet).
Owner: Thomas S. Hall & Co. of Sacket’s Harbor
Estimated Value: $4,000 (uninsured at the time of sinking)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Napoleon was a wooden schooner, a common type of sailing vessel in the 19th century Great Lakes trade. Schooners were designed with two or more masts and were favored for their speed and agility, making them ideal for transporting cargo such as lumber, coal, and stone across the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The Napoleon was equipped to carry large loads, as evidenced by its final cargo of heavy stones intended for pier construction.

HISTORY #

Built in 1833 and enrolled at Sacket’s Harbor, New York, the Napoleon served as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, connecting various ports and contributing to the regional economy. The schooner primarily operated between Detroit and Ohio ports, transporting a variety of goods essential for the growing communities along the lakes. Despite its short operational history, the Napoleon was a valued asset, symbolizing the industrious spirit of the era’s maritime ventures.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Napoleon met its tragic end in August 1835, during a voyage laden with large stones destined for the Oswego pier. Under the command of Captain R. Hollister, the schooner encountered a severe storm off the head of Stony Island in Lake Ontario. Seeking shelter, the captain attempted to maneuver the vessel, but a massive wave caused the deck load to shift disastrously. Sixteen stones, each weighing between 2 and 4 tons, were thrown to one side, destabilizing the vessel. Despite the crew’s desperate efforts to lighten the load, the schooner was overwhelmed and sank rapidly in 30 fathoms of water. The crew was narrowly saved by the steamboat Oswego, which towed them to safety near Stony Island.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Napoleon wreck, but mariners and divers should exercise caution in the vicinity of Galloo Island.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact location of the Napoleon’s wreck remains undetermined, though it is believed to be near Galloo Island. Due to the depth and historical nature of the wreck, it has not been extensively explored or documented in recent years.