IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CHARLESTON was a wooden, two-masted schooner, a common type of sailing vessel used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners like the CHARLESTON were designed for cargo transport, with their large sails and sturdy construction allowing them to navigate the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. The vessel measured 84 feet in length, with a beam of 20 feet and a depth of 8 feet, giving it a tonnage of 118 tons. This made it well-suited for carrying large amounts of cargo across the lakes.
HISTORY #
The CHARLESTON was built in 1837 at Sackets Harbor, New York, a prominent shipbuilding center during that time. Owned by Fitzhugh & Co. of Oswego, the schooner played a vital role in the regional maritime industry, transporting goods and cargo across Lake Ontario and connecting various ports.
On November 23, 1844, while en route to Oswego from the Welland Canal, the CHARLESTON encountered a fierce storm off the coast of Sodus, New York. The storm was powerful, forcing the schooner to seek shelter. Unfortunately, while attempting to find safe harbor, the vessel struck a treacherous bar and was wrecked.
The CHARLESTON bilged and quickly filled with water, leading to significant damage. Despite the crew’s best efforts to save the vessel, it was expected to become a total loss. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life, and the crew was able to abandon the ship safely.
At the time of the incident, the CHARLESTON was carrying a valuable cargo of 4,200 bushels of flour and other goods, destined for Oswego. The wreck was a significant loss for the owners, Fitzhugh & Co., who were prominent in the maritime trade of the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CHARLESTON was wrecked near Sodus, New York, after striking a bar during a storm on November 23, 1844. The vessel bilged and filled with water, leading to its expected total loss. The schooner was heavily damaged, and although the crew survived, the ship and its cargo were lost.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE #
The loss of the CHARLESTON is a notable event in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, reflecting the dangers faced by schooners and their crews during the 19th century. The incident highlights the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during storms and in treacherous coastal areas. The wreck of the CHARLESTON adds to the rich tapestry of shipwrecks that illustrate the perils of maritime commerce during that era.
FUTURE EXPLORATION AND PRESERVATION #
The wreck site of the CHARLESTON, while not specifically located in modern times, could still hold historical significance if discovered. Any remnants of the vessel could provide insights into the construction techniques and maritime practices of the time. Preservation efforts should focus on protecting the site from unauthorized disturbances and ensuring that any artifacts or remains are documented for historical research.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Provides detailed records and narratives related to shipwrecks like the CHARLESTON.
- Oswego County Whig, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 1844 – A historical newspaper that reported on the wreck of the CHARLESTON.
- Lake Disasters in 1844 – Accounts of maritime disasters in the Great Lakes region during the year 1844.
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, February 8, 1845 – Additional reports on the wreck and maritime incidents.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File – A comprehensive database of shipwrecks, including the CHARLESTON.
- Certificates of Enrolment, Oswego 1842 – 1844 – Documentation related to the vessel’s registration and ownership.
- Great Lakes Ships by C. Patrick Labadie – A reference work detailing ships on the Great Lakes, including the CHARLESTON.
- Notes by Donald V. Baut – Additional historical notes on the shipwreck.
- Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley – Contextual information on the maritime era during which the CHARLESTON operated.
