IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
This unidentified schooner, built in 1830, was a wooden vessel designed for commerce on the St. Lawrence River. Schooners of this period were commonly used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes and adjacent waterways. The ship had a robust wooden hull, essential for enduring the challenging conditions of the river.
DIMENSIONS AND TONNAGE #
- Length: 130 feet
- Beam: 24 feet
- Depth: 8 feet
HISTORY #
The schooner operated on the St. Lawrence River during the mid-19th century, a time when such vessels were crucial for trade and transportation in the region. Unfortunately, in 1850, the vessel met its demise when it caught fire and burned down to the waterline. The schooner now lies about 52 feet below the surface, preserved on a firm clay/silt bottom with some of its decking still intact. The bow spirit and rudder are missing, and the remnants of the ship stand about 8 feet high.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The schooner sank in 1850 after being burned down to the waterline. The wreck remains submerged near Ogdensburg’s waterfront and is considered an intermediate-level dive site due to its depth and the noticeable current in the area. The ship rests between the site of the Rothesay wreck and the Canadian Coast Guard Station, directly in front of the large brick chimney on the Ogdensburg shore, south of the downstream channel.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
This wreck site has been well-documented by local divers and underwater archaeologists, although the exact date of its discovery is not specified.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck is relatively well-preserved, considering its age and the fact that it burned down to the waterline. The wooden hull sits on a hard, silty clay bottom, with the structure rising about 8 feet off the riverbed. Visibility at the site ranges from 10 to 15 feet, and the area is characterized by a strong current. Divers interested in exploring this wreck should be experienced, given the conditions.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Scuba Diving Magazine
KEYWORDS #
Unidentified Schooner, Wooden Hull, St. Lawrence River, Ogdensburg, Shipwreck, 19th Century, Intermediate Dive Site
ANALYSIS #
This unidentified schooner serves as a testament to the numerous vessels that once navigated the St. Lawrence River during the 19th century. The conditions in which the wreck was found—burned to the waterline and settled on a silty clay bottom—indicate the harsh and often dangerous realities faced by wooden ships of this era. The strong current and relatively low visibility at the site provide challenges for modern-day divers, underscoring the importance of preserving these underwater relics for future exploration and study. The ship’s position between other notable wrecks in the region highlights Ogdensburg’s historical significance as a hub of maritime activity.
