BEAVER (1848)

Vessel Type #

The Beaver was a two-masted wooden schooner built in 1848 at Kingston, Ontario. Schooners like the Beaver were essential vessels for transporting bulk goods, including grain, timber, and other commodities across the Great Lakes. These ships were often seen navigating between ports on Lake Ontario and other lakes in the region, playing a crucial role in the burgeoning maritime trade of the 19th century.

History #

The Beaver was likely renamed from its original name, Baltic, which was built in 1847. The renaming to Beaver in 1857 might reflect a change in ownership or possibly a new purpose for the vessel. Schooners such as the Beaver were integral to Great Lakes trade, connecting important industrial and agricultural centers across Ontario and New York.

•  1848: Built at Kingston, Ontario, the Beaver (then possibly named Baltic) began service, likely engaged in transporting bulk goods and commodities throughout Lake Ontario.
• 1857: Renamed from Baltic to Beaver, potentially marking a change in ownership or use. This renaming hints at the vessel’s continued importance in the thriving lake trade network.
• 1861: The Beaver met its fate in Lake Ontario. While the exact circumstances of its wreck are unknown, vessels during this period commonly faced dangers such as storms, navigational errors, and structural failures. The weather on Lake Ontario is known to change rapidly, and many ships were lost due to such conditions.

Final Disposition #

The Beaver was wrecked in 1861 on Lake Ontario. Unfortunately, the details surrounding the wreck are sparse, and no precise location or cause has been documented. Like many other schooners of the time, the Beaver likely encountered severe weather or navigational challenges, which ultimately led to its demise.

Located By & Date #

There are no known records of the Beaver’s wreck being located or recovered. Its final resting place remains undiscovered at the bottom of Lake Ontario, joining countless other wrecks from the same era.

Notmars & Advisories #

No navigational warnings or obstructions have been reported relating to the Beaver’s wreck site. Its location remains a mystery, and there are no formal navigational markers associated with this lost schooner.

Resources & Links #

For further research into the Beaver and its history, consult the following resources:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A rich resource of historical records on Great Lakes shipwrecks and vessels.
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Offers detailed accounts of vessels, including wrecks and trade ships.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Dedicated to the preservation and exploration of shipwrecks in Ontario’s waters.

Conclusion

The Beaver represents the many schooners that contributed to the vibrant shipping industry on Lake Ontario during the mid-19th century. Although the circumstances of its wreck are not well documented, it serves as a reminder of the perilous conditions mariners faced while navigating the Great Lakes. Its story is part of a broader narrative of growth, trade, and loss in the region’s maritime history.