IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Belle was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1866 by A. Shaw in Port Dover, Ontario. Schooners like the Bellewere commonly used during the mid to late 19th century for various types of cargo transport across the Great Lakes. The vessel’s modest size and dual masts made it a versatile ship, capable of navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes while carrying essential goods.
HISTORY: #
The Belle was constructed in 1866, a period when schooners were the workhorses of Great Lakes shipping. Built by A. Shaw in Port Dover, Ontario, the vessel served in various capacities and changed ownership multiple times throughout its two-decade-long career.
The schooner was initially owned by George Bell of Port Dover, Ontario, in 1873. Ownership later passed to A. Lee, William Golding of Toronto, and back to Shaw of Port Dover. In 1885, the Belle underwent a significant rebuild in Belleville, Ontario, reflecting its continued utility and the need for maintenance to keep the vessel operational.
By the time of its final ownership under Joseph H. Smith of Belleville, the Belle had seen numerous voyages across Lake Ontario. However, on December 8, 1886, the schooner met its end when it caught fire while frozen in at anchor. The fire resulted in the total loss of the vessel. The precise circumstances surrounding the fire, including whether there were any casualties or the specific cargo onboard at the time, remain unclear. The loss of the Belle likely occurred in Belleville, Ontario, where the vessel had been rebuilt the year prior.
It’s important to note that another vessel named Belle, weighing 65 tons, foundered near Port Dalhousie in November 1887. However, this incident is unrelated to the Belle that burned in 1886.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Belle was destroyed by fire on December 8, 1886, while frozen in at anchor, resulting in its total loss. The vessel was not recovered or rebuilt after the incident.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the Belle wreck site. However, caution is always advised in areas where historical shipwrecks have occurred, especially in regions like Belleville, Ontario, known for its rich maritime history.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the Belle was known following its destruction by fire on December 8, 1886. The exact coordinates of the wreck site may not be well-documented due to the nature of the incident.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Information on shipwrecks and vessel histories in the Great Lakes region.
KEYWORDS: #
Belle, Wooden Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Belleville Ontario, 1886 Fire, Canadian Maritime History.
ANALYSIS: #
The loss of the Belle is a reflection of the risks faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The schooner’s destruction by fire while frozen in at anchor is indicative of the harsh conditions and dangers that vessels had to endure, even when not in active service. The Belle‘s history of ownership changes and its rebuild in 1885 suggest that it was a valued asset in the Great Lakes shipping industry until its untimely demise. The incident contributes to the broader narrative of maritime challenges and shipwrecks that define much of the Great Lakes’ history.
