BELLE – 1857

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The Schooner Belle of Hamilton

The 19th century witnessed the rise and fall of countless vessels that traversed the Great Lakes, each with its own story to tell. Among them, the schooner Belle of Hamilton stands as a symbol of both triumph and tragedy. From its launch in 1857 to its eventual demise in the early 20th century, the Belle’s history is a testament to the challenges and adventures faced by those who sailed the inland waters of North America. Let’s journey through time and explore the life and fate of this remarkable schooner.

The schooner Belle of Hamilton was launched in Oakville around May 23rd, 1857, a product of the skilled craftsmanship of shipbuilder John Simpson. Owned by Captain Malcolmson, the Belle had a capacity of 7,000 bushels of wheat, making it a vital vessel for the transportation of grain on the Great Lakes. The Belle was a sturdy schooner, measuring 89 feet and 6/10ths in length, with a breadth of 20 feet and a hold depth of 7 feet and 5/10ths. It had one deck, two masts, and a standing bowsprit, with a square stern. The vessel was registered in Hamilton and had a tonnage of 101 tons.

Over the years, the Belle changed hands several times. It was owned by various individuals and companies, including George Farwell of Oshawa, James Nolan, and William Sutherland of Belleville. The vessel’s ownership history reflects the dynamic nature of the maritime industry during the 19th century.

The Belle faced its fair share of challenges during its time on the Great Lakes. In 1871, it was driven ashore in Frenchman’s Bay, Lake Ontario, while carrying a cargo of barley. Fortunately, both the vessel and its cargo were insured, highlighting the importance of maritime insurance in the era.

As the years passed, the Belle’s fate took a somber turn. In 1884, the vessel faced a devastating loss when it sunk in Lake Ontario, resulting in a total loss of the hull. However, this was not the end of its story. The Belle’s final chapter saw it laid to rest near a flour mill in Kingston, Ontario, in 1902. The vessel was dismantled, with its wood repurposed as firewood.

The schooner Belle of Hamilton, born in Oakville in 1857, lived a life filled with voyages, challenges, and changing ownership. From its early days as a grain carrier to its tragic sinking and eventual dismantling, the Belle’s journey mirrored the ups and downs of the Great Lakes shipping industry in the 19th century. Though the Belle may have faded into history, its story serves as a reminder of the remarkable vessels that once sailed the inland waters of North America, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and resilience.