History #
The Cattaraugus was a two-masted schooner with a tonnage of 309 tons. It was built in 1857 and met its tragic fate on October 1, 1864, when it foundered in Lake Ontario. The ship was on a voyage from Chicago, Illinois, carrying a cargo of wheat destined for Oswego, New York.
During its journey, the Cattaraugus encountered a severe storm on Lake Ontario. The crew, faced with the dangerous conditions, attempted to navigate the ship towards the safety of the shore to find refuge from the raging storm. However, despite their efforts, the vessel started taking on water, leading to its eventual capsizing.
Sadly, all but one of the crew members lost their lives in the disaster. The lone survivor, George W. Lewis, managed to cling to a piece of wreckage amidst the tumultuous waters. Fortunately, he was spotted by a passing vessel, which rescued him from the treacherous lake. George W. Lewis later provided an account of the sinking to authorities and local newspapers.
The exact cause of the Cattaraugus’ foundering in Lake Ontario in 1864 is not specified in the available information. However, it is evident that the severe storm and the subsequent flooding of the vessel played a significant role in the tragic outcome.
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