J. S. HARVEY (1855)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The J. S. HARVEY was a brig, a type of two-masted sailing vessel that was commonly used during the 19th century for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Brigs were favored for their robust construction and ample cargo space, making them well-suited for the heavy demands of Great Lakes trade. The J. S. HARVEY was one such vessel, tasked with carrying vital commodities like wheat, which was an essential product for the regional economy. Ships like the J. S. HARVEY played a crucial role in the commerce of the Great Lakes, linking various ports and facilitating the exchange of goods between the interior and coastal regions.

HISTORY #

On Thursday, December 8, 1864, the brig J. S. HARVEY encountered a severe and ultimately tragic incident when it ran aground near Sage Creek, approximately 15 miles east of Oswego, New York. This location, described as being 3 to 4 miles from Port Ontario and around 2.5 miles east of Texas Creek, was a treacherous spot on Lake Ontario’s shoreline, particularly during the harsh winter months when the Great Lakes could be unforgiving to mariners. At the time of the grounding, the J. S. HARVEY was transporting a cargo of wheat, a vital commodity for the region’s economy and a common cargo on the Great Lakes.

The grounding of the J. S. HARVEY caused significant damage to the vessel. The extent of the damage was such that the ship’s rigging had to be stripped from the ship, indicating a level of destruction that made it impossible to continue the voyage or effect repairs on the spot. Recognizing the severity of the situation and with the ship taking damage beyond what could be managed, the crew was forced to make the difficult decision to abandon the vessel. The abandonment of the J. S. HARVEY marked the end of the brig’s service, a stark reminder of the perilous conditions faced by ships navigating the Great Lakes, especially during the winter.

This incident underscores the constant dangers that Great Lakes mariners faced during the 19th century. The J. S. HARVEY’s grounding is a poignant example of the challenges that came with transporting goods across these vast inland seas, where unpredictable weather, hidden shoals, and powerful storms could easily spell disaster. The ship’s fate serves as a testament to the risks involved in maritime transport during this period, where even well-seasoned crews and sturdy vessels could fall victim to the elements. The loss of the J. S. HARVEY reflects the harsh realities of 19th-century maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, where ships were often at the mercy of the forces of nature.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The J. S. HARVEY was abandoned near Sage Creek after running agground. The brig was damaged beyond repair, leading to the stripping of its rigging and its eventual loss. The exact location of the wreckage is not well-documented, but it is presumed to have settled in the vicinity of its grounding site near Lake Ontario’s eastern shoreline.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

There is no specific record of the wreck’s discovery or detailed exploration of the site. The grounding occurred on December 8, 1864, but subsequent documentation regarding salvage or wreck location is not available.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been issued regarding the J. S. HARVEY wreck site. Given the age of the incident and the likely degradation of the vessel over time, the wreck is not considered a navigational hazard today.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• NOAA Marine Sanctuaries
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck Database
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Conclusion #

The loss of the J. S. HARVEY is a poignant reminder of the dangers that 19th-century mariners faced on the Great Lakes. The brig’s grounding near Sage Creek reflects the harsh realities of navigating these inland seas, where even experienced crews were vulnerable to the elements. The fate of the J. S. HARVEY underscores the treacherous nature of Great Lakes shipping routes during the winter months and highlights the risks involved in the vital but perilous work of transporting goods across these waters.

J. S. HARVEY, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Sage Creek, Oswego, 19th Century Brig, Great Lakes Maritime History, Abandoned Ship, Wheat Cargo, Shipwreck History, Maritime Navigation.