Congercoal C126268 fmr.A. Weston

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL DESCRIPTION #

The A. Weston was a 164-foot (50-meter) propeller-driven steamer constructed with a sturdy wooden hull and powered by a steam engine. Built in 1882 at Mount Clemens, Michigan, the A. Weston was designed as a versatile cargo vessel, capable of carrying bulk goods such as coal and lumber across the Great Lakes. The vessel featured a single screw propulsion system, with a 26 x 32-inch engine and a 9 x 16-foot boiler, providing reliable power for navigating the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT #

Background #

The A. Weston was part of the bustling maritime commerce that characterized the Great Lakes region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ship initially operated as a general cargo carrier, transporting goods like coal and lumber between ports on Lake Ontario and beyond. The Great Lakes were a vital transportation artery, and vessels like the A. Weston played a crucial role in supporting the industrial expansion of the United States and Canada.

Incident Overview #

On May 11, 1917, a mysterious fire broke out in Little Sodus Bay near Fair Haven, New York, destroying the steamers Conger Coal and Lloyd S. Porter. Although the A. Weston was not directly involved in this incident, it was historically significant as the A. Weston was previously known as the Conger Coal, having been renamed when it was acquired by the Conger Coal Company of Toronto in 1909.

The A. Weston was eventually scuttled in Sodus Bay, joining the many vessels that found their final resting place in the waters of Lake Ontario. The vessel’s story is intertwined with the broader narrative of maritime activity during a period marked by both commercial expansion and wartime tension.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Fire and Aftermath #

The fire that destroyed the Conger Coal (formerly A. Weston) and the Lloyd S. Porter also damaged the Lehigh Valley Railroad trestle, disrupting coal shipments. While no direct evidence implicated the A. Weston in the fire, the incident highlights the risks faced by vessels operating in the region during World War I, a time when fears of sabotage and wartime disruptions were prevalent.

World War I Context #

During World War I, there were widespread rumors and suspicions that incidents like the fire in Little Sodus Bay were part of German sabotage efforts aimed at disrupting shipping on the Great Lakes. While these claims were never substantiated, the A. Weston (as the Conger Coal) became part of the historical narrative of maritime tension during this era.

Wreck Removal #

The charred remains of the Conger Coal and Lloyd S. Porter posed a navigation hazard in Little Sodus Bay and were eventually removed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1956. The A. Weston, which foundered separately in Sodus Bay, remained on the lakebed and became a part of the underwater landscape.

CURRENT CONDITION & DIVE INFORMATION #

Wreck Condition #

The wreck of the A. Weston lies at a depth of approximately 20 feet (7 meters) in Sodus Bay, near the coordinates 43°20′47″N 76°41′18″W, close to 14985 State Park Road, Fair Haven, New York. The wooden hull is partially intact, with sections of the propeller and other machinery still visible. The relatively shallow depth and the presence of the remaining structures make this site accessible and of interest to divers.

Marine Life #

The wreck has become a habitat for various species of fish and other aquatic life, contributing to the ecological diversity of Sodus Bay. Divers exploring the site may encounter species such as bass, perch, and other freshwater fish that thrive in the underwater environment created by the wreck.

Diving Access #

The site is accessible from shore or by boat, with generally clear visibility during most diving seasons. Due to the shallow depth, the wreck of the A. Weston is suitable for both novice and experienced divers, as well as for underwater photography. It offers a unique glimpse into the history of Great Lakes shipping and the life of vessels that once plied these waters.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE #

The A. Weston is a testament to the vibrant maritime activity on Lake Ontario during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally a steam screw vessel, it was later renamed Conger Coal and continued to serve as a workhorse in the region’s shipping lanes. The vessel’s story, intertwined with broader narratives of wartime suspicion, industrial shipping, and eventual scuttling, adds depth to our understanding of the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Drone Footage cc Daniel Gildea 2023

YouTube Videos CC Dan Gildea

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels, including historical records of the A. Weston.
• Great Lakes Ships: Detailed information on ships that operated on the Great Lakes, providing context for the A. Weston.
• Bowling Green State University: Archives related to Great Lakes shipping history, including documents on the A. Weston.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A resource for researching shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the A. Weston.
• Crooked Lake Review: Articles and publications on the history of the Great Lakes region, including maritime incidents.

CONCLUSION #

The A. Weston, a once-proud steamer of the Great Lakes, ultimately met its end in the waters of Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario. Its journey from a robust cargo vessel to a wreck on the lakebed reflects the dynamic and often perilous nature of maritime commerce in the early 20th century. As part of the underwater landscape, the A. Weston continues to tell the story of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime heritage, offering divers and historians a tangible link to the past.