Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The NORTH STAR was a wooden two-masted schooner, a type of vessel widely used during the 19th century on the Great Lakes. These schooners were designed for both cargo transport and versatility, making them ideal for navigating the vast and often challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The NORTH STAR’s construction featured a sturdy wooden hull, capable of withstanding the rigors of Great Lakes shipping. It was notable for the gilded star mounted atop its main truck, symbolizing both its name and the pride of its owners.
History #
The schooner NORTH STAR began its service life in 1854, built by G. Waterbury at Point Dover, Ontario. The vessel was registered in Port Dover and initially owned by H. Schuyler of Point Dover. With its two masts and impressive build, the schooner quickly became a fixture on the Great Lakes, where it transported various cargoes between key ports.
In 1856, just two years after its launch, the NORTH STAR ran aground in the Grand River, Lake Erie. This early incident marked the beginning of a long career filled with both challenges and successes. Despite the grounding, the schooner continued its operations, navigating the complex and often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
The vessel changed ownership several times throughout its career. In 1863, it was sold to Lake & Johnson of Tonawanda, New York. The following year, the ownership passed to Costigan & Campan, also based in Tonawanda. In 1865, A.W. Caswell (sometimes recorded as Carwell) of Detroit, Michigan, acquired the schooner. Under Caswell’s ownership, the NORTH STAR underwent significant rebuilds and repairs, which were necessary to keep the aging vessel seaworthy. These efforts reflected the value placed on the schooner, which continued to be an important asset in the Great Lakes shipping industry.
The schooner faced several trials over the years, including a tragic incident in 1861 when a man was lost overboard near the Genesee River in Lake Ontario. Despite such setbacks, the NORTH STAR persevered. In September 1871, the vessel went ashore in Racine, Wisconsin, but it was salvaged and rebuilt in 1875 under the ownership of a new proprietor in Chicago, Illinois. These rebuilds ensured that the schooner could continue serving the Great Lakes community.
However, the long and storied journey of the NORTH STAR came to a tragic end on November 26, 1886. While en route from Fair Haven to Toronto, the vessel encountered severe winds and foundered near Stoney Island in Lake Ontario. The schooner was declared a total loss, with damages estimated at $3,500. The NORTH STAR, once a proud symbol of maritime prowess, was claimed by the unforgiving waters, its gilded star sinking beneath the waves.
Final Disposition #
The wreck of the NORTH STAR remains a testament to the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes. The schooner, which had served faithfully for over three decades, met its end during a fierce storm that left it stranded near Stoney Island. Despite the efforts to save it, the vessel was lost, and with it, a piece of maritime history. The wreck, though no longer visible, is remembered through the records and stories preserved by maritime historians.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships Website
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
