In the mid-19th century, the Great Lakes served as a vital conduit for trade, connecting the burgeoning settlements and industries of North America. During this era, a multitude of vessels plied the waters, carrying goods and people across these vast inland seas. One such vessel, the ALMIRA (1849), bore witness to the unpredictable and often perilous nature of this maritime world.
The ALMIRA was constructed in the year 1849 in Kingston, Ontario, a bustling hub for shipbuilding on the shores of Lake Ontario. This wooden barge, measuring 85 feet in length, with a beam of 20 feet and a depth of 6 feet, was a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. It boasted two masts and had a tonnage of 106, according to the old-style measurement system.
Throughout its relatively short but eventful existence, the ALMIRA changed ownership several times, reflecting the fluid nature of maritime commerce during the 19th century. In 1851, it underwent a rebuilding process on Amherst Island, under the ownership of William Gorrie from Toronto, Ontario. Subsequently, ownership passed to William Pigeon, also of Toronto, in 1857.
Interestingly, historical records from 1860 suggest that the ALMIRA was reported to have been built by L. Shicklura in St. Catharines in 1847. Such discrepancies in historical documentation were not uncommon in an era when record-keeping was less standardized than it is today.
The most tragic chapter in the ALMIRA’s history unfolded on August 8, 1866. Lake Ontario was engulfed in a fierce storm, with a relentless northeast wind driving heavy waves onto the shore. While vessels sought refuge in the safety of harbors, the ALMIRA faced a different fate.
Around 1 o’clock in the morning, the ALMIRA, attempting to navigate the treacherous conditions, veered eastward and struck the submerged East Pier at the mouth of Rochester Harbor. The impact caused significant damage to the barge’s hull, leading to a rapid flooding of its interior. As water levels rose, the crew found themselves in a perilous situation, unsure of their fate.
The crew’s plight did not go unnoticed. Captain J.H. Ledyard, in command of the small steamer FLOUR CITY, wasted no time in organizing a rescue operation. Gathering a team of courageous volunteers, they embarked on a daring mission to save the stranded mariners.
Using a Government lifeboat, Captain Ledyard and his crew launched it into the tumultuous surf to the east of the pier. Braving the elements, they successfully rescued the crew of the ALMIRA, who had taken refuge in the rigging of their sinking vessel. This act of heroism, executed under Captain Ledyard’s skilled leadership, saved the lives of the ALMIRA’s crew members and earned the gratitude of all who witnessed it.
Regrettably, the ALMIRA, laden with stave bolts and hailing from Milford, Canada West (now Ontario), met its demise that fateful day. The collision with the East Pier and the subsequent flooding rendered it a complete wreck, beyond salvage.
The story of the ALMIRA (1849) serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its history, marked by changes in ownership and a tragic end, is a testament to the resilience and bravery of those who navigated these turbulent waters. The heroic rescue led by Captain J.H. Ledyard during the storm of August 8, 1866, stands as a shining example of human compassion and courage in the face of nature’s fury.
- Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory
- Newspaper Clippings from the Rochester Union & Advertiser, August 9, 1866.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
- Great Lakes Ships Website C Patrick Labadie Collection
