Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: J. W. WADSWORTH
- Year Built: 1855
- Built at: Unknown
- Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
- Cargo at Time of Sinking: Unknown
- Final Location: Lake Ontario
- Date of Sinking: 1875
- Cause of Sinking: Storm
Vessel Type Description #
The J. W. WADSWORTH was a wooden schooner, a versatile vessel type commonly used on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Built in 1855, the schooner played a significant role in transporting goods across Lake Ontario. Schooners were known for their simple rigging, speed, and ability to navigate narrow waterways and harsh weather conditions. The J. W. WADSWORTH had a typical operational life of two decades before it met its fate during a fierce storm.
History #
For 20 years, the J. W. WADSWORTH traversed Lake Ontario, transporting cargo and navigating the ever-present dangers of the lake. In 1875, while it was likely engaged in one such voyage, the schooner encountered one of the sudden storms that Lake Ontario is notorious for. These storms, characterized by powerful winds and violent waves, have claimed many vessels over the years. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the storm proved too much for the J. W. WADSWORTH, leading to its tragic sinking. Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive record of the events or cargo it carried during its final voyage, nor is there clarity on whether the entire crew survived.
Final Disposition #
The J. W. WADSWORTH sank in Lake Ontario in 1875 due to a storm, and the vessel was never recovered. The wreck remains lost in the depths of the lake, with no documented recovery of cargo or crew members. Its loss, like many similar vessels, is a testament to the unpredictable and dangerous conditions of the Great Lakes.
Located By & Date #
The wreck of the J. W. WADSWORTH has not been located. Despite the passage of time, it remains lost in Lake Ontario, and its exact location is unknown.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
No navigational markers or obstructions have been recorded in relation to the wreck of the J. W. WADSWORTH. However, Lake Ontario’s conditions can change rapidly, and sailors and divers should remain cautious, particularly in areas known for historic shipwrecks.
Resources & Links #
Conclusion #
The J. W. WADSWORTH stands as a symbol of the many schooners lost to the unpredictable weather of the Great Lakes. Although it remains undiscovered, its story adds to the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario, highlighting the risks faced by sailors in the 19th century.
