IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Picton was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel widely used in the 19th century for transporting bulk cargo such as coal, lumber, and other goods across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Picton were known for their speed and ability to navigate the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes, thanks to their multiple sails and sturdy build.
HISTORY #
The Picton was first registered in Picton, Ontario, in July 1867. In 1878, the vessel underwent a major rebuild, likely carried out by a shipbuilder named Robinson. This reconstruction extended the Picton to 98.75 feet in length, 22.75 feet in beam, and 9.58 feet in depth, increasing her gross tonnage to 160 tons. The rebuild was intended to enhance the schooner’s capacity and longevity, making her a formidable presence on the Great Lakes.
Ownership Changes #
The Picton changed ownership several times throughout her operational life:
- February 11, 1878: J. D. Arterhout of Hillier, Ontario, acquired the vessel.
- October 1, 1879: John Walters of South Marysburg, Ontario, became the new owner.
- April 29, 1881: The schooner was sold to Robert Charles Smith Jr. of Port Hope, Ontario, under whose ownership she remained until her final voyage.
Incident and Repair #
In 1883, the Picton encountered a significant incident that left her damaged. However, she was repaired by 1886, allowing her to continue serving her owners. Despite this repair, the schooner would face a more tragic fate in the years to come.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On July 1, 1900, the Picton embarked on a voyage from Oswego, New York, to Belleville, Ontario, carrying a load of coal. Unfortunately, the schooner encountered a fierce gale on Lake Ontario. The crew of the steamer Acacia reported that the Picton was struggling against heavy waves before it ultimately disappeared from sight. Despite search efforts, no trace of the vessel or her crew was found, and it was presumed that all hands were lost. The crew included Captain Sidley, his three children, and several crew members from Belleville, Ontario.
Eyewitness Accounts #
The crew of the schooner Annie Minnes also witnessed the Picton‘s struggle but were unable to assist due to the severe weather conditions. The loss of the Picton was a devastating blow, not only to the families of those on board but also to the maritime community of the Great Lakes.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Picton has not been definitively located, and its exact resting place in Lake Ontario remains unknown. The schooner’s disappearance in the depths of the lake adds to the many mysteries that lie beneath the waters of the Great Lakes.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the Picton was lost in a storm and never recovered, the wreck’s condition is unknown. It likely remains buried deep within Lake Ontario, making it inaccessible to divers and maritime historians.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Maritime Database
- A comprehensive source of information on the vessels of the Great Lakes, including schooners like the Picton.
- Great Lakes Maritime Database
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Extensive records and historical data on shipwrecks, including the Picton.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite EU
- A resource for shipwreck data worldwide, including Great Lakes shipwrecks like the Picton.
- Wrecksite EU
- Library and Archives Canada
- Access to ship registration records and historical documents related to Canadian vessels, including the Picton.
- Library and Archives Canada
