The Iceberg, a brig built in 1856, was destined for a perilous journey to the Arctic in search of Sir John Franklin’s lost expedition. Constructed in Kingston, Ontario, this heavily built vessel was specifically designed for Arctic service. Dr. John Rae of Hamilton, Ontario, was the original owner of the Iceberg.
As a brig, the Iceberg featured a single deck and two masts. Its hull was crafted from wood, a common material for ships during that era. The Iceberg was meticulously prepared for the harsh conditions it would encounter in the Arctic.
Tragically, the Iceberg’s fate was sealed on August 17, 1857, when it foundered near Oswego, New York, in the unforgiving waters of Lake Ontario. Bound for Kingston, Ontario, from Cleveland, Ohio, carrying a cargo of coal, the vessel succumbed to the treacherous conditions of the lake. All hands on board were lost in this devastating incident, marking the tragic end of the Iceberg’s short but eventful history.
