- SYRACUSE
- MONTREAL
The Lord Elgin, formerly known as Syracuse, met its unfortunate fate on Lake Ontario. This Canadian vessel, with an official number of 33457, had a gross tonnage of approximately 153 tons. Originally built in Oswego, New York, in 1845 as the U.S. ship Syracuse, it became Canadian-owned in 1852 and was subsequently renamed Lord Elgin. The vessel had dimensions of 116 feet in length, 21 feet in beam, and 10 feet in depth.
In December 1856, tragedy struck as the Lord Elgin was wrecked on Lake Ontario. The exact details surrounding the incident are not provided in the given information. However, it marks the end of the ship’s journey.
The Lord Elgin’s origins can be traced back to its construction at the shipyard of George S. Weeks. It was launched from the dock at the foot of First Street at 5 o’clock, P.M., on a specific Saturday mentioned in the records. The ship was built for Merrick, Davis and Co., and it was considered one of the largest vessels ever constructed for the upper lake trade at that time. With a capacity of 350 tons and the ability to stow 2,000 barrels below deck, the Lord Elgin provided ample space for cargo.
Notably, the ship featured a well-finished cabin on its main deck, equipped with ten state rooms and extensive accommodations for passengers. Its size and amenities were unparalleled among the freight vessels constructed in the region. Built with sturdy materials and thoroughly bolted, the Lord Elgin boasted strength and reliability.
The vessel was powered by an engine and machinery constructed by Hart, Higham and Co. of the Ican Works in Utica, following the Erickson plan. Captain William Williams, an experienced and trustworthy officer, commanded the Lord Elgin as part of the New York, Oswego, and Chicago Line. It was scheduled to depart on the 29th of the month, ready to serve its intended purpose in the transportation industry.
The Lord Elgin’s story is a reminder of the risks faced by ships navigating Lake Ontario and the unpredictable nature of maritime travel during that era.
Sources and External Links #
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing
- Toronto Globe December 5, 1856
- Preliminary List of Canadian Merchant Steamships Inland & Coastal, 1809 to 1930. World Ship Society
- Oswego Daily Adv., May 8th
- Daily National Pilot Tuesday, May 13, 1845
