IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The J.D. SCOTT began its life as the City of Rochester, a small steam paddle wheeler built in 1876 for Stephen D. Bennett, owner of the Glen House resort near Rochester, New York. Originally designed to ferry tourists to waterfront resorts like the Seabreeze Hotel on Irondequoit Bay, this 86-foot steamer was later enlarged and renamed J.D. SCOTT. It served the local community for three decades before its final stranding in 1906.
HISTORY #
The City of Rochester was launched in 1876 and quickly became a popular vessel for tourists visiting the Seabreeze Hotel, a major resort destination at the time. The vessel ferried guests from Rochester to the resort, enhancing the area’s appeal as a summer getaway. The steamer was later enlarged, reflecting its importance and continued use, and was renamed J.D. SCOTT.
Throughout its service life, the J.D. SCOTT was a familiar sight on Lake Ontario, particularly around Rochester. Its final voyage ended tragically when the steamer stranded at Pultneyville, New York, in November 1906. The stranding marked the end of the vessel’s operational life, although it remains a part of the rich maritime history of the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The J.D. SCOTT was lost when it stranded at Pultneyville, New York, in November 1906. The circumstances of the stranding are not detailed, but it likely involved poor weather or navigational challenges, which were common hazards on the Great Lakes during that era. The vessel’s remains have not been widely documented, and it is uncertain if any part of the wreck is accessible today.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently issued for the J.D. SCOTT wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact discovery or surveying date of the wreck is not documented. The vessel’s loss is recorded in historical records.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Historical resources and images related to Great Lakes maritime history.
- Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1896
- Brendon Baillod’s Facebook Post (2 Feb 2024) – Includes a photo of the Seabreeze Hotel and the City of Rochestersteamer.
- Facebook post 2 Feb 2024 Brendon Baillod with photo – Early view of Seabreeze Hotel and the City of Rochester.
