IROQUOIS (HMS Anson)

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY #

After three years of dedicated work by volunteers from the St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation (SRHF), a remarkable discovery has been made regarding what could potentially be the oldest identifiable wreck of a vessel that sailed on the Great Lakes and Upper St. Lawrence River. With a permit issued by the New York Education Department, volunteers from the United States, Canada, England, and France collaborated on the “Iroquois Project” to conduct an underwater survey and retrieve valuable data.

The wreck, situated 80 feet beneath the surface in the St. Lawrence River between the mainland and Wellesley Island, has been extensively documented through the underwater survey and research in archives. It has been identified as the “H.M.S. ANSON,” which sank on October 23, 1761, while sailing under the British flag on its way to Fort Ontario at Oswego, carrying a cargo of provisions. However, the vessel’s origins trace back to its launch as the French corvette L’IROQUOISE on April 9, 1759, near the present-day village of Maitland, Ontario, Canada.

Originally armed with ten 12-pound cannons, L’IROQUOISE was specifically commissioned to navigate the upper St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The vessel played an active role in defending Fort Niagara in 1759 and took part in the Battle of the Thousand Islands in 1760, which marked the conclusion of the French and Indian War.

To ensure minimal disturbance to the site, the SRHF team employed survey methods designed for preservation. They utilized Direct Survey Methods (DSM), a technique that combined straightforward tape measurements with specialized software for precise mathematical mapping of the wreck site. The highly accurate DSM technique was developed following a survey of the MARY ROSE, a Tudor warship that sank off Portsmouth, England, in 1545. The “Iroquois Project” also incorporated photography, computer imaging, sonar scans, and visual documentation to enhance the understanding of the wreck. Nick Rule, one of the inventors of DSM, processed the retrieved data, showcasing the collaborative nature of the project with volunteers from two continents working exclusively through the Internet.

Furthermore, it is worth noting some significant events in the history of the vessel. In 1759, it was constructed for the French Fleet in the St. Lawrence River. The following year, it became a part of the defense force during Fort Niagara’s capture by the British. In August 1760, the ship suffered damage after running aground on a shoal and was intentionally scuttled near Fort Levis, close to Ogdensburg, NY. However, in September of the same year, the British raised and repaired the vessel after capturing Fort Levis, subsequently renaming it ANSON.

The “Iroquois Project” stands as a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of volunteers across different countries and highlights the advancements in survey techniques that aid in preserving and understanding historical maritime wrecks. It sheds new light on the rich history of the St. Lawrence River and its significance in the broader context of naval exploration and conflict during the 18th century