IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
| Vessel Name: Highland Beauty Vessel Type: Schooner Length: 80 feet (24.4 meters) Beam: 15.9 feet (4.85 meters) Depth: 6.6 feet (2.01 meters) (Final recorded depth) Material: Wood Mast: One Location of Wreck: Near the end of Market Street, Cape Vincent, NY, St. Lawrence River Depth of Wreck: Approximately 12 to 15 feet (3.6 to 4.6 meters) |
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Highland Beauty was a typical late 19th-century wooden schooner, designed for the transportation of bulk cargo, particularly lumber, across the Great Lakes and connecting rivers. With a single mast and shallow draft, the schooner was well-suited for navigating the inland waters, making it a vital workhorse for the movement of heavy and bulky goods during its time.
HISTORY #
The Highland Beauty was constructed in 1876 in Oakville, Ontario, with Richard Miller as its original owner. Throughout its operational life, the schooner changed ownership multiple times, with notable owners including William McCraney, Cheney of Toronto, and James Quinn. The vessel underwent several significant rebuilds, most notably in 1882 and 1902, to keep it operational.
Primarily used for transporting lumber, the Highland Beauty had the capacity to carry up to 65,000 feet of lumber. However, its final voyage in 1905 involved a cargo of peas. On November 13, 1905, under the command of Captain William Lobb, the schooner met its end when it wrecked against the town dock in Cape Vincent, NY. The circumstances leading to the wreck remain somewhat unclear, but it resulted in the schooner being declared a total loss.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Highland Beauty wrecked on November 13, 1905, at Cape Vincent, NY, while carrying a load of peas. The vessel slammed into the town dock during what was likely a severe weather event, sinking in approximately 12 feet of water. Despite the efforts to salvage the vessel, it was beyond repair and was subsequently abandoned.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck site lies in shallow water, ranging from 12 to 15 feet deep, making it accessible to divers of all levels. The site includes the remains of the old town dock along with scattered pieces of the schooner, which are in varying states of preservation. Divers exploring the site can expect to find timbers, planks, wood cleats, and other structural elements, such as ribs and a block and tackle, which are believed to be part of the Highland Beauty.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Local Historical Archives: References to the wreck and its circumstances can be found in local historical archives and old newspapers, providing additional context to the site’s history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site.
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the Highland Beauty offers a unique dive experience for those interested in maritime history and shipwreck exploration. The shallow depth and accessible location make it a suitable site for divers of all skill levels, while the historical significance of the wreck adds an educational aspect to the dive. The scattered remains, though modest, provide a tangible connection to the Great Lakes’ rich shipping history.
KEYWORDS #
Highland Beauty, Schooner, Shipwreck, Cape Vincent, St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes, Maritime History, Diving, Underwater Archaeology, 19th Century Shipping
