IDENTIFICATION & VESSEL INFORMATION #
HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE: #
The Reindeer served as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, particularly on Lake Ontario, and was one of many such schooners that navigated these waters during the 1800s. The vessel would have been involved in the transportation of various goods between ports on the lake and possibly along the St. Lawrence River.
The schooner Reindeer eventually met its demise near the mouth of the Black River in Sackets Harbor. The exact circumstances of its sinking are not fully detailed, but like many vessels of the time, it likely succumbed to the hazards of Great Lakes navigation, such as storms, shifting cargo, or collisions.
The wreck of the Reindeer now lies at the bottom of the Black River, near where it meets Lake Ontario in Sackets Harbor. This area is historically significant as Sackets Harbor was a major shipbuilding and naval base during the War of 1812, and it continued to be an important maritime hub throughout the 19th century.
The wreck of the Reindeer is part of the broader maritime history of Sackets Harbor and the Great Lakes. It represents the challenges and risks that schooners and their crews faced while navigating these often unpredictable waters. The wreck is of interest to historians and divers who explore the submerged heritage of the region.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: NOAA Sanctuaries
