IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
#
|
DETAILED HISTORY OF THE SCHOONER FARMER’S DAUGHTER #
The schooner Farmer’s Daughter was built in 1816 in Sandy Creek, New York, and represents an early example of the vessels that traversed the waters of Lake Ontario during the 19th century. Measuring 59 feet in length, 16 feet in beam, and 5 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 39 tons, the Farmer’s Daughter was a small but significant part of the maritime trade network on the Great Lakes.
Early Service and Historical Context #
The Farmer’s Daughter was actively involved in the transportation of goods and passengers across Lake Ontario, a vital route for commerce between the United States and Canada during the early 1800s. The schooner’s service included typical voyages carrying various types of cargo, such as lumber, grains, and other goods essential to the economies of the Great Lakes region.
Historical records of the Farmer’s Daughter are sparse, but some notable mentions provide a glimpse into its operational history. For instance, an article in the Kingston Gazette from August 12, 1817, reports that the schooner, under the command of Captain Ingalls, capsized in a squall near Bull Rock Point. Remarkably, no lives were lost in the incident, and the ship was later towed to safety.
Additional details about the Farmer’s Daughter appear in enrollment documents from 1817 to 1829, revealing that the schooner remained active for over a decade. During this time, it served as a crucial link in the transportation of goods between various ports on Lake Ontario, contributing to the region’s economic development.
The Final Voyage and Disappearance #
The details surrounding the final voyage of the Farmer’s Daughter remain shrouded in mystery. The schooner is believed to have vanished during a storm, taking with it all crew members aboard. No specific date or location of the loss was recorded, leaving the fate of the Farmer’s Daughter largely unknown for nearly two centuries.
The lack of detailed records has only added to the intrigue surrounding the schooner’s disappearance. It is presumed that the vessel was carrying cargo at the time, though the nature of the cargo remains unknown. The circumstances of the loss, combined with the tragic outcome, have cemented the Farmer’s Daughter as a mysterious and poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario.
Rediscovery and Modern Exploration #
The wreck of the Farmer’s Daughter was first discovered in 2012 by explorers Dan Scoville and Chris Koberstein during a search for another ship, the steamer Roberval, which had vanished in 1916. Using advanced sonar technology, they identified a small schooner with two standing masts, which they named the Farmer’s Daughter. However, due to limited resources and time, further exploration was delayed.
In July 2024, SonarGuy.com revisited the site as part of their mission to explore new targets in Lake Ontario. After a 17-hour sonar survey, they confirmed the location of the wreck. The Farmer’s Daughter was found in relatively good condition, with both masts still standing, a rare feature in underwater shipwrecks. The presence of these masts posed challenges for divers, so a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was used to further inspect and confirm the identity of the shipwreck.
The confirmation of the Farmer’s Daughter in 2024 added a significant chapter to the history of this enigmatic vessel. The rediscovery underscores the importance of modern technology in uncovering and preserving underwater cultural heritage. The Farmer’s Daughter serves as a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the challenges faced by early 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes.
Legacy of the Farmer’s Daughter #
The Farmer’s Daughter is more than just a shipwreck; it is a symbol of the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario. The rediscovery and subsequent identification of the schooner have reignited interest in the vessel’s story, providing historians and maritime enthusiasts with new opportunities to explore the history of the Great Lakes.
As exploration and research continue, the Farmer’s Daughter may reveal more about the people who sailed her, the cargo she carried, and the circumstances that led to her tragic end. For now, the Farmer’s Daughter stands as a poignant reminder of the many ships that have been lost to the depths of Lake Ontario, and the stories that remain to be told.
Sources #
- SonarGuy.com Exploration Report (July 2024): Detailed account of the rediscovery and identification of the Farmer’s Daughter.
- ShipwreckWorld.com (2012): Initial discovery and exploration of the wreck by Dan Scoville and Chris Koberstein.
- David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Historical data matching the dimensions and characteristics of the wreck to the Farmer’s Daughter.
- Kingston Gazette (August 12, 1817): Report on the capsizing incident near Bull Rock Point.
- Hallowell Free Press (July 17, 1832): Historical mention of the schooner’s launch and early service.
