IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Caledonia was a classic example of a wooden two-masted schooner, a vessel type that was extensively used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These schooners were built for transporting bulk goods, such as lumber and grain, and were known for their durability and efficiency. The Caledonia’s design was a balance of cargo capacity and the ability to handle the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The Caledonia was constructed in 1842 by Jacob Randall in Port Credit, Ontario. It was a reliable and well-known workhorse on the Great Lakes, enduring several significant incidents throughout its operational life. These included a major rebuild in Toronto in 1850 and another in 1870, both aimed at extending the vessel’s service life and maintaining its seaworthiness.
Ownership of the Caledonia changed hands multiple times over the years, reflecting the common practice of buying, selling, and repurposing vessels as they aged. Notable owners included McMurrick & Co., Robert Moody, T. Herrington, McConn & Co., B. Shaver, and Owen Butler. Each of these owners contributed to the vessel’s lengthy and storied service, navigating the ship through both tranquil and turbulent times on the lakes.
The Caledonia faced several incidents during its service:
In September 1860, the schooner ran ashore at Oswego, New York, with a cargo of lumber, where it reportedly broke in two. Despite the damage, the vessel was salvaged and returned to service.
In September 1871, the Caledonia was stranded on S. Bay Point. Although it was nearly a total loss, the schooner was successfully recovered and put back into operation.
On September 8, 1881, the Caledonia met its fate during a severe southeast gale while navigating near Bluff Point, Oshawa, Ontario. The storm drove the schooner onto a reef, causing extensive damage. Despite efforts to salvage the vessel, it broke apart on September 20, 1881, tragically resulting in the loss of two crew members.
In 1885, the Caledonia underwent its final rebuild, with slight modifications to its dimensions and tonnage. From 1886 to 1891, it was owned by Henry Maitland of Brighton, Ontario. Despite its long history of resilience and repairs, the Caledonia could not survive the severe storm of 1881, which ultimately ended its service.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the Caledonia lies near Bluff Point, Oshawa, Ontario, in Lake Ontario. After being driven ashore during a storm on September 8, 1881, the vessel eventually broke apart on September 20, 1881. The wreck marked the end of the Caledonia’s nearly 40-year service on the Great Lakes, with the loss of two crew members.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Caledonia has been known to exist near Bluff Point, Oshawa, since shortly after its final wreck in September 1881. The wreck of the CALEDONIA was salvaged by a team led by Gordon Conant in the 1930s. The salvaged pieces were moved to Mr. Conant’s lawn in Oshawa, where they were preserved as relics of the Great Lakes’ maritime history
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories in effect related to the wreck of the Caledonia. No obstructions or hazards are marked on navigational charts concerning this site.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Library Archives Canada
CONCLUSION #
The Caledonia’s history is emblematic of the trials and tribulations faced by 19th-century schooners on the Great Lakes. Despite its numerous rebuilds and the changing hands of ownership, the vessel’s demise during the storm of 1881 highlights the relentless challenges of Great Lakes navigation. The story of the Caledonia serves as a testament to the resilience of the ships and sailors of the time, and it remains a significant part of Lake Ontario’s maritime heritage.
Keywords:
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- Schooner
- Great Lakes shipwreck
- Lake Ontario
- 19th-century maritime history
- Port Credit shipbuilding
- Maritime archaeology
- Bluff Point wrecks
- Canadian schooners
