Asp ( Elizabeth)(pre 1820)

Vessel Type Description #

The Asp, originally named Elizabeth, was a British wooden schooner that played a key role in the early 19th-century maritime commerce across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Asp were commonly used for their speed, cargo capacity, and maneuverability, crucial for navigating the unpredictable weather conditions on Lake Ontario. Typically featuring two or more masts, these vessels were vital in the trade of essential goods, such as lumber, which fueled the economic and military growth of the time.

History & Significance #

The Asp began its service life under the name Elizabeth as a Canadian merchant schooner, transporting lumber and other essential goods across the Great Lakes. Its operations were vital to the development of settlements and military outposts around Lake Ontario, particularly during a period when infrastructure was rapidly expanding in the region. The vessel was instrumental in moving cargoes, including timber, which was essential for building homes, fortifications, and fueling the economy.

On October 10, 1820, the Asp, under the command of Captain Prossey, embarked on its fateful final voyage from Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake), Ontario, bound for Kingston, Ontario. The schooner was heavily laden with lumber, a resource in high demand for construction projects in Kingston. However, as it made its way across Lake Ontario, a violent storm developed near Long Point, overwhelming the ship. Battling the ferocious winds and waves, the Asp was driven off course and grounded on the bar at Salmon River, near Mexico Bay in New York.

The schooner and its crew were caught in the storm’s fury. By the time rescue efforts reached the ship, the damage was catastrophic. Of the eleven people aboard, only two survived: a seaman named James Young and an Irish passenger, Miss Jane Gibson. The other nine souls, including Captain Prossey, perished. Their bodies were recovered and buried, though two were never found, adding a layer of mystery and sorrow to the event.

The loss of the Asp was a sobering reminder of the dangers that sailors faced on the Great Lakes. Early 19th-century navigation in these waters was fraught with risks, as sudden and severe storms could strike with little warning. The schooner’s final voyage highlights the critical role that such vessels played in connecting frontier communities, while also underscoring the peril that came with transporting goods in an era when weather prediction was rudimentary and ships were at the mercy of the elements.

Final Disposition #

The Asp was severely damaged during the storm and grounding. Its masts and spars were entangled in rigging, the deck was swept clean, and the hull split open under the force of the waves. Although salvage operations retrieved some valuable items from the wreck, the ship was ultimately declared a total loss.

Located By & Date #

•Located By: Noted by locals shortly after the wreck in October 1820.

•Date of Discovery: October 1820, immediately after the storm.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Asp. However, the area near Salmon River and Mexico Bay is known for hazardous conditions during storms. Mariners are advised to exercise caution, especially when navigating in bad weather.

Current Condition & Accessibility #

Due to the severe damage sustained by the Asp during the storm and the passage of time, it is unlikely that much remains of the wreck today. The vessel’s location has not been formally preserved, and the exact site of the wreck has not been pinpointed in modern surveys. Any remaining wreckage would likely be difficult to access due to the shallow waters and the natural decay of wooden ships.

Resources & Links #

• Newspapers:
  • Oswego Palladium, October 19, 1820
  • Kingston Chronicle, October 20, 1820
  • Cleveland Weekly Herald, November 14, 1820
• 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:
  • Donald V. Baut Notes on Great Lakes Ships
  • John E. Poole Notes, Bowling Green State University
• Websites:
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion #

The wreck of the Asp near Mexico Bay in 1820 is a poignant example of the challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the early 19th century. The schooner’s critical role in transporting goods like lumber, essential for the region’s development, underscores the importance of vessels like the Asp in shaping frontier life. The ship’s tragic end, with the loss of most of its crew, illustrates the hazards of Great Lakes navigation at a time when maritime commerce was the lifeblood of early settlements. While the physical remains of the Asp have likely long since deteriorated, its story remains a valuable chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario.

 Asp shipwreck, Mexico Bay, Salmon River wreck, Great Lakes schooner, 1820 Lake Ontario storm, British schooner