WILLIAM WALLACE (Schooner, 60 Tons)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: William Wallace
Year of Build: 1848
Built At: Whitby, Ontario
Vessel Type: Schooner
Hull Materials: Wood
Number of Decks: 1
Builder Name: George Wallace
Original Owner: George Wallace
Captain: William McCabe
Length: N/A
Beam: N/A
Depth: N/A
Tonnage: 60 tons

OWNERSHIP HISTORY

Owned By: George Wallace, a merchant from Whitby, Ontario.
Captain: William McCabe, who also held ownership and was the primary sailor of the vessel.

HISTORY

The schooner **William Wallace** was launched in 1848, built by George Wallace in Whitby, Ontario. As a wooden schooner with a tonnage of 60 tons, the vessel was designed for navigation on the Great Lakes. George Wallace, a prominent merchant from Whitby, was the original owner and builder, with Captain William McCabe serving as both owner and captain during its operational years.

In October 1857, while navigating the treacherous waters around Toronto Point, the William Wallace encountered severe conditions. The exact circumstances of the disaster remain unclear, but it is known that the vessel was lost with all hands aboard. This tragic event underscores the perilous nature of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, a period marked by frequent and often catastrophic maritime incidents.

The wreck of the William Wallace is thought to be the ancient remains visible on the Island shore opposite the Toronto lighthouse. However, this identification is speculative, as no definitive evidence has confirmed the wreck’s identity. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its final resting place, the story of the William Wallace reflects the broader risks and challenges faced by ships and crews of that era, highlighting the dangers inherent in Great Lakes navigation.

The loss of the William Wallace serves as a poignant reminder of the frequent maritime tragedies of the 19th century and the high stakes involved in shipping and navigation during that period.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Final Location: Near Toronto Point, possibly on the Island shore opposite the Toronto lighthouse.
Date: October 1857
How: Unknown (speculated to be due to a navigational or weather-related incident).
Deaths: All hands lost.

NOTES

This schooner should not be confused with another vessel of the same name, built in 1856, which also met a tragic end. The William Wallace, built in 1848 and captained by William McCabe, serves as a reminder of the commonality of ship names and the frequent maritime tragedies of that era.

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