IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CANADA, originally launched as the WILLIAM GORDON in 1836, was a British top-sail schooner, a versatile and robust vessel of its time. Top-sail schooners were characterized by their combination of square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the mainmast, making them well-suited for a variety of maritime conditions. The CANADA was built at Wellington Square, a location now part of modern-day Burlington, Ontario. The builder, Wyllie, crafted this vessel with a tonnage of 100 tons, a substantial size for the era, indicating its intended role in significant cargo transportation.
Initially, the WILLIAM GORDON was owned by Charles Hunt, a prominent merchant from Chatham, Ontario, and its home port was Windsor, Ontario. The ship quickly became a workhorse in the regional trade, connecting Canadian and American markets across the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence River. These waterways were vital to the economic growth of both nations, and vessels like the WILLIAM GORDON were the lifeblood of this burgeoning trade network.
In 1840, just four years after its initial launch, the vessel underwent significant rebuilding at the same shipyard in Wellington Square, a testament to its value and the demands placed upon it. The ship was further repaired in 1853, reflecting its continued importance in maritime commerce despite the wear and tear of constant use. These repairs, common for vessels of the time, were necessary to extend the life of the ship, which faced the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.
The WILLIAM GORDON had an earlier namesake, another schooner built in 1838, also at Wellington Square. This earlier vessel, slightly smaller at 58¼ tons, was homeported in Hamilton and was entirely owned by William Moody, a blacksmith from Kingston. This second WILLIAM GORDON was also lost under mysterious circumstances, adding a layer of intrigue to the legacy of these similarly named vessels.
In its later years, the original WILLIAM GORDON was renamed CANADA, marking a new chapter in its life. However, the renaming did not alter its fate. The CANADA met its end in the St. Lawrence River under unspecified circumstances while carrying a cargo of produce. The details of its sinking remain vague in historical records, but it is clear that the loss was significant. The vessel, along with its cargo, represented a substantial financial investment, with property damage estimated at $10,000—a considerable sum at the time.
The sinking of the CANADA was a tragic end to a vessel that had played a crucial role in the development of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River trade routes. While the cargo was recovered, albeit in a damaged state, the ship itself was declared a total loss. The wreck of the CANADA now lies somewhere in the St. Lawrence River, a silent testament to the dangers faced by the mariners of the 19th century.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CANADA met its end in the St. Lawrence River while carrying a cargo of produce. The vessel sank under circumstances that remain unspecified in the historical records. The loss was substantial, with the property damage estimated at $10,000, a significant sum at the time.
After the sinking, the cargo was recovered but landed on the American shore in a damaged state. The schooner itself was considered a total wreck, marking the end of its service.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. The CANADA was a historical loss, and its wreck site is not a known hazard to navigation today.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the wreck of the CANADA remains unknown. The incident occurred on an unspecified date in the 19th century, and no modern recovery or exploration of the wreck site has been documented.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the CANADA was considered a total wreck and the cargo was salvaged in a damaged state, the remains of the vessel are likely scattered and deteriorated. The exact site is not accessible, and no formal recovery efforts have been undertaken.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston: This museum holds extensive records and artifacts related to shipbuilding and maritime history in the region, which may include information on the CANADA and other vessels named WILLIAM GORDON.
- Archives of Ontario: Contains shipping registers and historical records that could provide further details about the vessel and its owners.
- WreckSite (www.wrecksite.eu): A comprehensive database of shipwrecks that may hold additional information or references to the CANADA.
Photos #
Given the time period (1830s-1850s), no photographs of the CANADA or its earlier incarnation as WILLIAM GORDON exist. However, illustrations of similar top-sail schooners from the era can be found in maritime history books or archives.
Conclusion #
The story of the CANADA (formerly WILLIAM GORDON) highlights the perils faced by ships navigating the St. Lawrence River during the 19th century. The vessel’s loss, along with its cargo, represents a significant event in the maritime history of the Great Lakes region. The dual identity of the vessel under different names adds an interesting dimension to its history, reflecting the common practice of renaming and repurposing ships as they changed ownership or underwent rebuilding.
