IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
DETAILED HISTORY OF THE HMS ONTARIO #
The HMS Ontario was a British warship, specifically a brig-sloop, built in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War. As a key asset of the British Royal Navy on the Great Lakes, the HMS Ontario was designed to assert British control over Lake Ontario and to protect supply routes and transport troops between strategic forts such as Fort Niagara and Oswego.
Historical Context and Service #
The construction of the HMS Ontario in 1780 was part of Britain’s efforts to maintain dominance over the Great Lakes during the war. The brig-sloop was armed with 22 cannons and was considered one of the most formidable warships on Lake Ontario at the time. Despite its military prowess, the HMS Ontario was primarily used for transport rather than direct combat, ferrying troops, supplies, and dispatches between British-controlled locations.
On October 31, 1780, while on a routine mission from Fort Niagara to Oswego, the HMS Ontario encountered a sudden and violent storm. The ship, ill-prepared for such severe weather, was overwhelmed by the gale-force winds and heavy seas. Tragically, the vessel foundered and sank to the bottom of Lake Ontario, taking with it all 130 crew members and passengers, including British soldiers, sailors, and civilians. The sinking of the HMS Ontario remains one of the worst maritime disasters in the history of the Great Lakes.
Discovery of the Wreck #
For over two centuries, the final resting place of the HMS Ontario remained a mystery, with numerous expeditions failing to locate the wreck. However, in 2008, a significant breakthrough was made by shipwreck hunters Jim Kennard and Dan Scoville, who used sophisticated side-scan sonar technology to locate the wreck in Lake Ontario.
The ship was discovered in an upright position at a depth of 500 feet (260 meters), remarkably well-preserved due to the cold, deep waters of the lake. The wreck was found with both of its masts still standing, an extremely rare occurrence for shipwrecks of this age. The intact condition of the HMS Ontario has provided a unique and invaluable glimpse into 18th-century naval architecture and the circumstances of its tragic sinking.
Significance and Preservation #
The discovery of the HMS Ontario is considered one of the most important underwater archaeological finds in the Great Lakes. The ship’s excellent preservation has allowed researchers to study it in great detail, providing insights into the shipbuilding techniques of the era, as well as the operational history of the British Navy during the American Revolutionary War.
Given the wreck’s historical significance and the sensitive nature of the site, the exact location of the HMS Ontario has been kept confidential to protect it from looters and unauthorized divers. Efforts have been made to document the wreck using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and other non-invasive methods to ensure that the site remains undisturbed.
Legacy of the HMS Ontario #
The HMS Ontario stands as a testament to the naval power struggles on the Great Lakes during the American Revolutionary War. Its tragic loss highlights the dangers faced by those who sailed these waters during a time of conflict and the high stakes of maintaining control over key waterways.
The discovery and study of the HMS Ontario continue to contribute to our understanding of the period, offering a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the enduring mysteries of the deep. The ship’s story, from its construction to its rediscovery, reflects the broader narrative of the Great Lakes as a crucial theater in North American history.
Sources #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Alex Comber at www.warsearcher.com
- Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University
- National Geographic: 200-Year-Old Shipwreck Discovered in Lake Ontario
- History.com: Revolutionary War-era Ship Found in Lake Ontario
- BBC News: Lost British Warship HMS Ontario Found in Lake Ontario
