IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Forest Queen was a wooden schooner built in 1853. It was originally 92 feet in length but was reconstructed and expanded in 1867, resulting in a length of 102 feet. The vessel was part of the robust Great Lakes schooner fleet, which played a vital role in the transportation of goods across the region.
HISTORY #
The Forest Queen had a long and eventful service history, marked by numerous incidents and several ownership changes. Initially owned by H. McCrenny of Oakville, Ontario, the schooner experienced its first major mishap in November 1854 when it ran aground near Presque Isle Harbor. The vessel underwent multiple name changes, becoming Fidelity in 1857, and reverting to Forest Queen by 1860 under the ownership of Zealand & Co. from Hamilton.
Over the years, the schooner saw various owners, including Robert G. Post of Pickering and J. Taylor of Hamilton. In 1867, the vessel was reconstructed and expanded at Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario, increasing its dimensions and tonnage.
One notable incident occurred on October 24, 1868, when the Forest Queen collided with the Tonawanda. Despite this, the schooner continued its service and underwent ownership changes, eventually being owned by George E. Yott from Belleville, Ontario, in 1884.
The Forest Queen met its tragic end on November 26, 1887. While sailing from Cobourg to Belleville, the schooner ran aground on Indian Point during a snowstorm and was declared a total loss. The wreck report of 1887 lists the vessel’s registered tonnage as 137 and notes that it was 33 years old at the time of its demise. The estimated property loss was $1,000.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Forest Queen was lost at Indian Point in the Bay of Quinte after running aground during a snowstorm in November 1887. Despite efforts to document its wreckage, the exact location of the remains has not been recovered, and the schooner is listed as missing.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
As the Forest Queen is considered missing, its current condition and exact location remain unknown. The wreck was last known to be near Indian Point, but no subsequent recovery or detailed exploration of the site has been documented. Divers and historians may still find interest in the general area, though the wreck itself may be elusive or buried under silt and sediment.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Divehub.ca Dive Site Information: Resource for divers interested in exploring wrecks in the Bay of Quinte, including historical sites.
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (HCGL): Historical data and ship histories, including vessels like the Forest Queen.
- Queens University Video Tape Holdings POW Photo Project 1998: Archival footage and documentation related to shipwrecks in Ontario, including potential references to the Forest Queen.
- Vlada Dekina Photogallery 2002: Photographs of shipwrecks in the Bay of Quinte and nearby waters.
KEYWORDS #
- Forest Queen
- Fidelity
- Bay of Quinte shipwrecks
- Indian Point wreck
- Great Lakes schooner
- Lost schooner
- Ontario maritime history
- Snowstorm wreck
ANALYSIS #
The Forest Queen schooner is emblematic of the challenges faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. With a history spanning over three decades, the schooner encountered numerous incidents that reflect the perilous nature of lake navigation at the time. Its final wreck during a snowstorm in 1887 underscores the unpredictable and often hazardous conditions that could lead to the sudden loss of even well-maintained vessels.
The schooner’s loss at Indian Point contributes to the rich maritime history of the Bay of Quinte, a region known for its shipwrecks and historical shipping routes. The missing status of the Forest Queen adds an element of mystery, making it an intriguing subject for further exploration and research. While the wreck has not been recovered, the story of the Forest Queen offers valuable insights into the life cycle of Great Lakes schooners and the impact of natural forces on maritime operations.
