CARRIER DOVE (1854)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Depth: Approximate wreck depth is not provided, but it lies near the fort in Oswego, New York.
Location: Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario, near the fort.
GPS Coordinates:

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Carrier Dove was a wooden schooner with a single deck, constructed in 1854 on Wolfe Island, Ontario. The vessel featured two masts, which was typical for schooners of that era, designed primarily for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Measuring 88.8 feet in length, 19 feet in beam, and 7.7 feet in depth, the Carrier Dove was a modest-sized vessel with a tonnage of 144 (old style measurement). This type of vessel was essential for trade and commerce during the mid-19th century, connecting various ports across the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The Carrier Dove was built in 1854 by Austin Horn and initially owned by Thomas Davis of Wolfe Island, Quebec. Throughout its service, the schooner underwent multiple ownership changes, reflecting its active use and value. On October 26, 1859, it was acquired by Robert A. Horne from Kingston, Ontario. It underwent repairs in 1861 and significant repairs in 1863, ensuring its continued service on the lakes. By 1864, ownership had transferred to John Irwin from Wolfe Island and James Aug from Wellington Square, Ontario.

The schooner met its tragic end on May 10, 1867, near Oswego, New York. During a storm or strong current, the Carrier Dove was washed out of the river and lost its masts after being caught under a larger schooner. It eventually sank near the fort at Oswego, marking the end of its operational life. The incident highlights the dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and busy waterways often led to accidents and shipwrecks.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Carrier Dove was lost on May 10, 1867, after being washed out from its moorings near the fort in Oswego. The vessel’s remains are likely scattered, with the wreckage partially buried under sediment or debris near the location where it sank. The wooden structure would have degraded over time, but some parts of the hull or other significant components may still be identifiable.