ALLIANCE U300

2 min read

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ALLIANCE
Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer (Ferry)
Date of Incident: November 21, 1869
Location: Niagara River at Lower Black Rock, likely washed over Niagara Falls
Coordinates: Final location presumed near Buffalo, New York, on Lake Erie
Depth: Not specifically documented; presumed lost over Niagara Falls
Condition: Presumed destroyed after going over Niagara Falls
Owner at Time of Loss: Henry Thornton

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ALLIANCE was a wooden sidewheel steamer, most likely used as a ferry, built in 1857 by Bidwell & J.W. Banta in Buffalo, New York. The vessel was 87 feet in length, with a beam of 16.1 feet and a depth of 6.1 feet. Originally, it had a tonnage of 85 tons, which increased to 107 gross tons after being rebuilt in 1865. The steamer was designed for ferry service and was well-equipped for passenger comfort, with features like cushioned seats and carpeted floors.HISTORY

The ALLIANCE began its life as a ferry, initially owned by Absalom Bull and later by James Haggart of Black River. The vessel underwent significant renovations and upgrades in 1865, which increased its gross tonnage to 107 tons. By 1868, the ALLIANCE was operating in the Buffalo District, serving routes between Black Rock and Fort Erie.

November 21, 1869: The ALLIANCE broke free from its moorings on the Niagara River at Lower Black Rock, an event attributed either to neglect or vandalism. The vessel subsequently drifted over Niagara Falls, leading to its complete destruction. Remarkably, there were no fatalities reported in the incident.
Post-Incident: After the ALLIANCE was lost, the vessel’s documents were surrendered on March 31, 1869. The final location of the wreck was recorded as Buffalo, New York, on Lake Erie.

The vessel had been considered well-fitted for ferry service, with its recent renovations making it a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation between Black Rock and Fort Erie. The disappearance of the ALLIANCE from its moorings was noted in the Buffalo Daily Courier on November 23, 1869, which suggested that the steamer had likely gone over the falls.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The ALLIANCE was presumed destroyed after going over Niagara Falls. The loss of the vessel marked the end of its service as a ferry on the Niagara River and Lake Erie. The cause of the incident remains speculative, with possibilities including negligence or intentional vandalism. The wreckage was never recovered, and the ALLIANCE‘s documents were officially surrendered in 1869.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. Due to the presumed destruction of the vessel after going over Niagara Falls, the wreck does not pose a hazard to navigation.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the ALLIANCE was presumed lost immediately after the incident on November 21, 1869. The exact location of the wreck is unknown, but it is believed to have been destroyed after going over Niagara Falls.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The condition of the ALLIANCE‘s wreck is unknown due to its presumed destruction over Niagara Falls. The wreck was never recovered, and any remnants would likely be in very poor condition due to the severity of the incident. The site is not accessible for diving or exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and newspaper archives.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The ALLIANCE serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Niagara River and the Great Lakes. The sudden and dramatic loss of the steamer over Niagara Falls marks one of the more unusual shipwrecks in the region’s maritime history. Despite its presumed destruction, the ALLIANCE remains a part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime lore.