ISLAND PACKET

3 min read

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Vessel Name: Island Packet Type: Schooner Construction Year: Before 1809 Location Built: Sodus, New York, USA Material: Wooden construction Decks: Single deck Masts: Two masts Gross Tonnage: 27 tons Final Location: Upper Narrows, near Ogdensburg, New York, St. Lawrence River

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The Island Packet was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel known for its two or more masts and efficient sailing capabilities. Schooners were commonly used during the early 19th century for a variety of purposes, including trade, transport, and fishing. The design allowed for faster speeds and greater maneuverability, making them a popular choice for navigation on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways such as the St. Lawrence River.

HISTORY: #

The Island Packet was constructed before 1809 in Sodus, New York, and served as a modest yet effective vessel on Lake Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 27 tons, the schooner was used for transporting goods and possibly for other commercial purposes. Owned by Townsend, Bronsin & Co., the Island Packet was part of the vibrant maritime activity in the Great Lakes region during the early 19th century.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

The fate of the Island Packet was sealed on June 29, 1812, during the early stages of the War of 1812. The schooner was burned in the Upper Narrows of the St. Lawrence River, near Ogdensburg, New York. The circumstances of the burning suggest it was likely a casualty of the conflict between American and British forces, which frequently targeted vessels to disrupt enemy supply lines and assert control over strategic waterways.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck, and it is unclear whether any significant remnants of the Island Packet remain at the site. The location, known as the Upper Narrows near Ogdensburg, may still be of interest to maritime historians and divers, though it is likely that the wooden structure has been largely reclaimed by the river over the past two centuries.

LOCATED BY & DATE: #

The Island Packet was reported to have met its end on June 29, 1812. The exact site of the wreck has not been extensively documented or explored in modern times, making it a potential site of interest for underwater archaeology and historical research.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #

Given the passage of time and the nature of the incident, it is likely that little remains of the Island Packet. The vessel was burned, and any surviving fragments would have been subjected to nearly two centuries of submersion in the St. Lawrence River. The area is accessible to those interested in the history of the War of 1812, but specific details about the wreck’s condition or visibility are not available.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Offers historical records and accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes, including those involved in the War of 1812.
War of 1812 Historical Sites: May provide additional context and information about shipwrecks and incidents that occurred during the conflict, particularly in the St. Lawrence River region.
Local Historical Societies: Ogdensburg and Sodus historical societies may have archival materials or further details about the Island Packet and its role in early 19th-century commerce and warfare.

PHOTOS: #

There are no known photographs of the Island Packet due to its loss before the advent of photography. However, illustrations or descriptions of similar schooners from the period may provide a visual reference.

KEYWORDS: #

Island Packet schooner, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, War of 1812 maritime history, Ogdensburg shipwreck, early 19th-century schooner, Lake Ontario vessels, burned shipwreck, Upper Narrows wreck.