IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Asp, originally named Elizabeth, was a British schooner involved in the commercial trade across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Asp were the workhorses of early 19th-century maritime commerce, valued for their ability to carry significant cargoes while maintaining speed and maneuverability. These vessels typically featured two or more masts rigged with fore-and-aft sails, which allowed them to navigate the often unpredictable weather conditions on the Great Lakes.
HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE #
The Asp, a schooner with a storied service history, played a vital role in the commercial and military logistics of the early 19th century Great Lakes region. Originally operating under the name Elizabeth as a Canadian merchant vessel, the schooner was instrumental in transporting essential goods across the expansive waterways that linked settlements and military outposts around the Great Lakes. Among the most critical of these goods was lumber, a resource of immense importance to the burgeoning communities and military installations. Lumber was not only needed for building homes, forts, and infrastructure but also for fueling the economy of the region, making vessels like the Asp indispensable to the growth and development of early Canadian and American frontier settlements.
On October 10, 1820, the Asp embarked on what would tragically become its final voyage. Under the command of Captain Prossey, the schooner departed from Newark, known today as Niagara-on-the-Lake, bound for Kingston, Ontario. The vessel was heavily laden with a cargo of lumber, an essential material for the construction and expansion projects underway in Kingston and other settlements. As the Asp made its way across the often treacherous waters of Lake Ontario, it encountered a severe storm near Long Point. The storm’s intensity was such that it quickly overwhelmed the schooner, driving it off course and ultimately causing it to run aground on the bar at Salmon River, near Mexico Bay, New York.
The storm’s violence battered the Asp, and despite the crew’s efforts to manage the situation, the schooner was soon at the mercy of the ferocious waves. Rescue attempts were delayed due to the storm’s severity, with potential rescuers unable to reach the stricken vessel until the storm had subsided. When help finally arrived, the scene was one of devastation. Out of the eleven people on board, only two survived: James Young, a seaman, and Miss Jane Gibson, an Irish passenger. The others, including Captain Prossey, perished in the disaster. Their bodies were recovered and buried, except for two, who were never found, adding a somber note to the tragedy.
The loss of the Asp was a significant event in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, highlighting the perilous nature of early 19th-century navigation on the Great Lakes. Ships like the Asp were crucial to the lifeblood of the settlements around the lakes, transporting goods and people between far-flung outposts. The disaster underscores the risks faced by those who sailed these waters, where sudden storms could turn a routine voyage into a deadly ordeal. The story of the Aspis a poignant reminder of the challenges of frontier life and the often-overlooked dangers that accompanied the expansion and development of early North America.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Asp suffered catastrophic damage during the storm and grounding. The vessel’s masts and spars were entangled in rigging, the deck was swept clean, and the hull was split open by the force of the waves. The wreck was later salvaged for any remaining valuable items, but the schooner itself was declared a total loss.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
Located by: The wreck was noted shortly after the incident in October 1820.
Date of Discovery: The wreck was identified and reported on in the days following the storm in October 1820.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the Asp. However, the area near Salmon River and Mexico Bay is known for its hazardous conditions, particularly during storms, and mariners are advised to exercise caution.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The remains of the Asp likely deteriorated rapidly due to the severe damage sustained during the storm. Given the passage of time, it is unlikely that much, if any, of the wreck remains visible. The wreck site has not been formally preserved, and its exact location is not well-documented in modern records.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Newspapers:
- Books:
- Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley
- Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Volume 1
- The Town of York by Edith G. Firth
- Historical Notes:
CONCLUSION #
The loss of the Asp near Mexico Bay in 1820 is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by early 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. The schooner’s role in the commercial trade routes of the time underscores the importance of such vessels in the development of the region. The tragic loss of life and the destruction of the vessel during the storm highlight the perilous nature of lake navigation during this period. The Asp‘s story, while marked by tragedy, contributes to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Asp schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 19th-century maritime history, Salmon River shipwreck, Great Lakes trade routes, Mexico Bay shipwrecks, British schooner Elizabeth, early 19th-century naval disasters.