DENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Belle of Hamilton was a wooden-hulled schooner built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes, primarily carrying grain such as wheat and barley. It was a robust vessel, designed to withstand the challenging conditions of Lake Ontario and the other Great Lakes. With its sleek design and practical build, the Belle of Hamilton represented the common schooners of the mid-19th century, playing a crucial role in regional trade and transportation.
HISTORY #
The Belle of Hamilton was launched on May 23, 1857, in Oakville, Ontario. Built by the skilled shipbuilder John Simpson, the schooner was owned by Captain Malcolmson at its inception. With a cargo capacity of 7,000 bushels of wheat, the Belle quickly became a vital link in the grain trade on Lake Ontario.
Over the years, the vessel changed hands several times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the shipping industry during the 19th century. Notable owners included George Farwell of Oshawa, James Nolan, and William Sutherland of Belleville. Each owner leveraged the schooner’s capacity to transport goods across the Great Lakes, underscoring the importance of maritime commerce in that era.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Belle of Hamilton faced numerous challenges throughout its operational life. In 1871, it was driven ashore in Frenchman’s Bay, Lake Ontario, while carrying a cargo of barley. Thankfully, both the vessel and the cargo were insured, demonstrating the significant role of maritime insurance in protecting investments during that time.
However, the Belle’s service ended in tragedy. In 1884, the schooner sank in Lake Ontario, resulting in a total loss of the hull. The vessel’s remnants were later salvaged and repurposed, with its wood ultimately used as firewood. Its final resting place was near a flour mill in Kingston, Ontario, in 1902.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No relevant Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently in effect for this wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the Belle of Hamilton’s final resting place near Kingston, Ontario, is not widely documented, and there have been no modern discoveries reported.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the Belle of Hamilton was dismantled and repurposed, there is likely little to no wreckage available for exploration. The site near Kingston is of historical interest, but it does not serve as a dive site.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Toronto Globe, May 27, 1857
- Port of Hamilton Vessel Register, No. 1 of 1862
- Marine Disasters on the Western Lakes during 1871, Capt. J.W. Hall
- Great Lakes Ships
- Hanley Spur Historical Archive
KEYWORDS #
Belle of Hamilton, Schooner, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Oakville Shipbuilding
ANALYSIS #
The Belle of Hamilton exemplifies the life cycle of a 19th-century Great Lakes schooner, from its construction to its operational challenges and eventual demise. Its history reflects the broader trends of maritime trade and transportation during that period, particularly the reliance on sailing vessels for the movement of bulk goods like grain. The vessel’s eventual sinking and repurposing are not uncommon in the era’s maritime narrative, where many such ships met their ends due to harsh weather conditions, navigation hazards, or simply the wear and tear of time. The Belle of Hamilton thus serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanent yet impactful nature of the schooners that once dominated the Great Lakes.
