John P. Hale (1856)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Name: John P. Hale Type: Wooden Schooner Year Built: Mid-19th century (exact year not specified) Owner: S.J. Holley of Oswego Location of Incident: Ford’s Shoals, Lake Ontario, approximately four miles up the lake from Oswego and nearly one mile from shore. Date of Incident: November 1, 1856

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The John P. Hale was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel commonly used during the 19th century for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the John P. Hale were designed with multiple masts and sails, allowing them to carry significant loads, such as wheat, over long distances. This vessel was typical of the period, with a sturdy construction suited to handle the often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The John P. Hale was on a voyage from Chicago to Oswego, carrying a cargo of wheat when it encountered a severe snowstorm on November 1, 1856. The storm, coupled with increasing winds, forced the schooner aground about one and a half miles above Oswego. Despite efforts to rescue the crew, the heavy seas prevented the lifeboats from reaching the stranded vessel, leaving the crew to seek refuge in the rigging.

The following day, the schooner was found to have suffered extensive damage. The hull was bilged, the deck hogged, the mainmast sprung, and much of the rigging and sails were either missing or torn. Despite these severe damages, it was believed that a portion of the cargo, approximately 5,000 to 7,000 bushels of wheat, could potentially be salvaged if the weather improved.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

Despite the valiant efforts to salvage the John P. Hale and its cargo, the schooner was ultimately deemed a total wreck. The vessel broke in two on Ford’s Shoals, and while some wheat was saved, an estimated 5,000 bushels were lost. The wreck continued to deteriorate over time, eventually breaking apart completely. The total loss, including the vessel, cargo, and freight, was valued at approximately $30,000, which was covered by insurance from the Buffalo Mutual company.

The captain of the John P. Hale, J.G. Richardson, was not blamed for the incident due to the severe conditions during the snow squall, which made it impossible to maintain control of the vessel. The crew was eventually rescued with the assistance of the tugboat Robert Reed after spending a harrowing night stranded on the damaged vessel.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the John P. Hale. However, the area around Ford’s Shoals remains known for its treacherous conditions, and mariners should exercise caution when navigating these waters.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact coordinates of the wreck site are not documented in the historical record, but the wreck occurred near Ford’s Shoals, approximately four miles from Oswego, New York.