IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Queen Charlotte was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two or more masts with fore-and-aft sails. Schooners were widely used during the 19th century for cargo transport, especially in the Great Lakes region, due to their speed and maneuverability. The Queen Charlotte was part of this maritime tradition, serving as a vital link in the trade networks of Lake Ontario.
HISTORY #
The schooner Queen Charlotte was a part of Kingston’s rich maritime heritage, reflecting the bustling activity of Lake Ontario during the 19th century. Schooners like the Queen Charlotte were integral to the transportation of goods such as grain, timber, and other commodities between ports along the lake. The vessel’s specific operational history, including its years of service, routes, and owners, remains less documented compared to its contemporaries, yet it played a crucial role in the regional economy.
The sinking of the Queen Charlotte in Elevator Bay adds to Kingston’s numerous shipwrecks, each contributing to the story of maritime commerce, exploration, and the occasional peril faced by those who traversed these waters.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Queen Charlotte now lies at a depth of 20 feet in Elevator Bay, Kingston, Lake Ontario. The circumstances of its sinking are not well-documented, leaving some mystery surrounding its final voyage. However, it has since become a popular site for local divers due to its relatively shallow depth and accessible location.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically pertaining to this wreck, but divers should always exercise caution and ensure they have the proper permissions when exploring submerged sites.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Queen Charlotte was identified in Elevator Bay, a well-known site for various shipwrecks in Kingston. The exact date of the discovery is unclear, but it has been a recognized site for some time, frequented by divers and historians.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Queen Charlotte lies in a well-preserved state, with its wooden structure still intact despite years of submersion. The shallow depth makes it an ideal dive site for both beginner and experienced divers. The visibility in the bay can vary, but on clear days, the wreck offers an intriguing glimpse into 19th-century shipbuilding and maritime life.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
- Ontario Shipwrecks
- Kingston Diving Resources
- Historic Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario
KEYWORDS #
Queen Charlotte, Schooner, Elevator Bay, Kingston, Lake Ontario, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes Wrecks
ANALYSIS #
The Queen Charlotte represents a typical schooner of its era, with its wreck now serving as a historical and recreational site. The sinking of the vessel highlights the dangers faced by 19th-century mariners, even on relatively sheltered bodies of water like Lake Ontario. Today, the Queen Charlotte contributes to the rich underwater cultural heritage of Kingston, offering insights into the construction, use, and ultimate fate of these working vessels. The wreck’s location in shallow waters makes it an accessible site for divers, allowing for continued exploration and study, which helps preserve the memory of Kingston’s maritime past.
