Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The wreck near Graveyard Point is described as the “backbone and ribs of an old-time wooden ship,” suggesting it was a vessel of considerable age, possibly from the early 19th century. The reference to it being an “eighteen-twelver” implies it may have been lost during or after the War of 1812, either due to battle damage or being intentionally beached.
Historical Context and Significance Main Duck Island, situated in Lake Ontario, has long been a site of interest due to its strategic location and the historical events associated with the War of 1812. The specific area known as Graveyard Point is named for the graves that were reportedly present there, which may have been the resting places of soldiers or sailors who died during one of the lake skirmishes.
The excerpt from the Toronto Telegram on December 23, 1933, provides a vivid account of the site, mentioning that buttons and bones were found there, possibly connected to those buried after a naval battle. The only recorded engagement that might correspond to this site was on September 11, 1813, when Sir James Lucas Yeo, commanding a British squadron, was engaged in a running battle with Commodore Isaac Chauncey of the United States Navy. The British brig Moira was heavily damaged during this action, and Yeo reportedly sought refuge among the Ducks to escape Chauncey, potentially burying the dead on Main Duck Island.
Another incident occurred on October 6, 1813, when Chauncey captured a British transport convoy off Main Duck Island. One British gunboat was burned, but there were no recorded casualties, making it less likely that this incident is directly related to the wreck at Graveyard Point.
Final Disposition The wreck at Graveyard Point remains unidentified but is thought to date back to the early 19th century, possibly connected to naval actions during the War of 1812. The vessel lies close to shore, with visible structural remains, suggesting it may have been beached or wrecked in shallow water.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck, but its proximity to shore may make it a point of interest for both divers and historians.
Located By & Date The wreck has been noted by local historians and mentioned in various accounts, but it remains officially unidentified. The connection to the War of 1812, while plausible, is based on anecdotal evidence rather than documented proof.
Current Condition & Accessibility The wreck is described as having only the “backbone and ribs” of the ship remaining, indicating significant decay. However, it is close to shore and may be accessible to those interested in exploring historical wreck sites. Its condition suggests that it has been exposed to the elements for many years, likely contributing to its current state of deterioration.
Resources & Links
- Toronto Telegram (Toronto, ON), 23 Dec 1933: The original source of the “Schooner Days” article that mentions the wreck at Graveyard Point.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, possibly including other vessels lost near Main Duck Island.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, potentially including the Graveyard Point wreck.
Keywords Graveyard Point, Main Duck Island, War of 1812, shipwreck, Sir James Lucas Yeo, Commodore Chauncey, Lake Ontario, maritime history
Analysis The wreck at Graveyard Point on Main Duck Island represents a fascinating yet largely mysterious piece of Great Lakes history. The potential connection to the War of 1812 adds a significant historical dimension, making it a site of interest for both historians and enthusiasts of naval history. While the exact identity of the wreck remains unknown, the evidence suggests it could be a vessel lost during one of the naval engagements on Lake Ontario. The presence of graves and artifacts further enhances the site’s historical value, indicating that it was a place of both tragedy and strategic importance. As with many such sites, the passage of time has taken its toll, leaving behind only fragments of the once-proud ship that met its end off the rugged shores of Main Duck Island.
