IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
Vessel Type Description #
The William I. Preston was a wooden schooner built in 1861 by George Goble in Oswego, New York. It was a two-masted vessel designed primarily for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Measuring 136 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth, the ship had a gross tonnage of 391 tons (old style). The single-deck schooner was equipped with a centerboard box and was intended to haul large amounts of cargo, such as wheat and other agricultural goods, making it a vital part of Great Lakes trade routes during its operational years.
History #
The William I. Preston was initially owned by Carrington & Co. of Oswego, New York, and served as a key vessel in the transportation of bulk goods. Over its career, the ship went through several ownership changes and underwent significant modifications. In 1865, its gross tonnage was re-measured and increased due to structural alterations, which included the installation of a new deck and the centerboard box. These changes helped the vessel navigate the often shallow waters of the Great Lakes more effectively.
Throughout its career, the William I. Preston encountered numerous challenges typical of 19th-century schooners. Notable incidents include:
•In 1869, the schooner suffered damage from a collision with the Milwaukee pier on Lake Michigan.
•In 1871, the vessel ran ashore at the mouth of the Niagara River and was subsequently beached and repaired.
Despite these setbacks, the ship remained in service for over two decades, transporting essential cargoes like wheat from ports in Michigan and New York.
Final Disposition #
The William I. Preston met its end on November 18, 1888, while carrying a cargo of wheat from Detroit, Michigan, to Ogdensburg, New York. A severe storm drove the ship ashore at the southwest point of Wolfe Island, in Lake Ontario, leading to the vessel’s total loss. The wreck marked the conclusion of the schooner’s 27-year maritime career. While the cargo was lost, no recovery efforts were made for the ship itself, and its remains have yet to be fully located or recovered.
Located By & Date #
The wreck has not been officially located. The William I. Preston sank on November 18, 1888, but the wreckage has yet to be discovered or properly documented.
Notmars & Advisories #
No current NOTMARs are associated with the wreck of the William I. Preston. The exact location is still unknown, and there are no specific navigational hazards noted regarding the site.
Current Condition & Accessibility #
As the wreck site has not been officially identified, the condition of the William I. Preston is unknown. It is believed that the remains rest at the southwest point of Wolfe Island, but no surveys or dives have confirmed the location. The wreck is not considered accessible to divers or maritime historians due to this uncertainty.
Resources & Links #
Analysis:
The William I. Preston represents the rugged nature of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Despite repeated repairs and modifications, it succumbed to the unpredictable and often violent weather conditions of Lake Ontario. Its wreck highlights both the resilience and fragility of wooden schooners, which played a crucial role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region during the industrial period. The ship’s final voyage and sinking are emblematic of the many maritime tragedies that occurred on the lakes during this era, making it an important piece of regional history.
William I. Preston, Schooner, Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, George Goble, Cargo Transport, Maritime History
