Here's the Thing, The Thing is
Here's the Thing, The Thing is
The Daniel G. Fort was a wooden schooner, built in 1869, designed to transport goods such as lumber and iron across the Great Lakes. At 137 feet long, the schooner was considered an advanced and highly capable vessel for its time, built with superior materials such as second-growth white oak and employing innovative design techniques that enhanced durability and stability. The vessel had a large cargo capacity, drawing only 9 feet, 6 inches of water when fully loaded with over 450 tons of cargo.
The Daniel G. Fort had a long and eventful career on the Great Lakes:
•1869: Built at Tonawanda, NY, and designed for the lower lake trade.
•1871: Owned by interests in Dunkirk, NY.
•1874: Involved in a collision with the barge Eureka at Oswego, NY.
•1882: Collided with the Polk Street Bridge while being towed, requiring significant repairs.
•1885: Struck three vessels (Pathfinder, Cormorant, and Camden), causing damage.
•1894: Final year of service, owned by B.C. Frost.
Despite its heavy use and several repairs, the Daniel G. Fort remained a significant vessel in Great Lakes trade throughout the 19th century. Its sturdy construction earned it a strong reputation among insurers and sailors alike.
•Date of Wreck: November 27, 1894
•Location: Near the harbor entrance at Oswego, NY, on Lake Ontario
•Cause: Wrecked during a fierce gale. The vessel lost its towline and was driven ashore, striking the already wrecked schooner Baltic.
•Final Cargo: None (the schooner was “light” and not carrying cargo at the time).
•Outcome: The Daniel G. Fort was declared a total loss. The ship’s value was estimated at $6,000, and it was insured. All seven crew members were rescued by the life-saving crew stationed at Oswego.
The vessel’s final resting place near Oswego marks its last chapter after a storied career on the Great Lakes. The wreckage likely deteriorated quickly due to the fierce weather and the nature of the impact.
Located By: Local authorities and life-saving crew stationed at Oswego, NY, during the storm.
Date of Discovery: November 27, 1894, when the ship ran aground.
There are no specific current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Daniel G. Fort. However, during its time, the wreck posed a hazard at the harbor entrance of Oswego, particularly given the close proximity to the wreck of the Baltic.
As of the time of the wreck in 1894, the Daniel G. Fort was deemed a total loss. The vessel was likely salvaged for parts, and its wooden hull may have deteriorated significantly over time. Given the shallow location near the harbor entrance at Oswego, there may be little to no visible remains today.
The wreck of the Daniel G. Fort stands as a testament to the challenges faced by schooners navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Despite its advanced design and strong service record, the vessel fell victim to a fierce gale, a common threat to ships operating on Lake Ontario. The Daniel G. Fort is remembered not only for its unfortunate end but for its role in Great Lakes trade and maritime history. The survival of the entire crew thanks to the efforts of the life-saving service underscores the importance of those early rescue operations along the lakes’ shores.