IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Mary was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These schooners were typically used for transporting various goods, including lumber, coal, and grain, which were essential for the economic development of the region. Schooners were known for their robust construction and ability to navigate the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY: #
The Mary was part of the busy maritime trade that characterized Lake Ontario in the 19th century. The schooner likely played a crucial role in transporting goods between Canadian and American ports along the lake, contributing to the bustling commerce of the era. Schooners like the Mary were the backbone of regional trade, enabling the movement of essential commodities that fueled the growth of towns and cities around Lake Ontario.
Unfortunately, the Mary met a tragic end near Picton, Ontario. While the specific date and circumstances of the wreck are not well-documented, it is known that the schooner was lost in the waters near Picton, a town with a rich maritime history. The loss of the Mary adds to the many shipwrecks that litter the bottom of Lake Ontario, each telling a story of the perils faced by sailors during this period.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The wreck of the Mary remains submerged near Picton, Ontario. The exact condition of the wreck is not widely reported, but it serves as a historical artifact of the Great Lakes’ maritime history. The loss of the Mary reflects the challenges faced by schooners on the Great Lakes, where storms, navigational hazards, and other dangers often led to shipwrecks.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the Mary wreck site. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution when exploring or navigating near known shipwreck sites in the Picton area.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The exact location and discovery details of the Mary wreck are not well-documented in available sources. It remains a point of interest for maritime historians and shipwreck enthusiasts.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Local Historical Societies: Exploring resources from Picton and Prince Edward County can provide additional context and details about shipwrecks in the region.
KEYWORDS: #
Mary, Wooden Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Picton Ontario, 19th Century Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Great Lakes Schooners.
ANALYSIS: #
The Mary is representative of the many schooners that sailed the Great Lakes during the 19th century, supporting the economic development of the region. The ship’s wreck near Picton underscores the dangers of navigating these waters, where sudden storms and other hazards often led to disaster. The wreck serves as a reminder of the critical role these vessels played in the growth of trade and settlement around Lake Ontario.