IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
The PERSEVERANCE was a 60-ton vessel that played a crucial role in improving transportation between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario during the 19th century. Commanded by Captain Sam Vary, the PERSEVERANCE was put into service to navigate the route between Buffalo, New York, and Port Robinson, which is located at the upper end of the Welland Canal.
The Welland Canal, connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, was a vital link in the transportation network of the Great Lakes, allowing ships to bypass the impassable Niagara Falls. However, the canal presented its own challenges, including swift currents in certain stretches that made navigation hazardous. The PERSEVERANCE, with its relatively modest size of 60 tons, was well-suited for the canal’s conditions and became an important part of the transport service that facilitated trade and movement between the two lakes.
Captain Sam Vary, who commanded the PERSEVERANCE, was likely well-acquainted with the risks and intricacies of this route. Vessels like the PERSEVERANCE were essential in maintaining a steady flow of goods and passengers, contributing significantly to the economic development of the region during a period when water transport was a key component of trade and commerce.
The use of vessels like the PERSEVERANCE underscores the importance of adapting to the specific conditions of the waterways in which they operated, ensuring that vital connections between major ports on the Great Lakes could be maintained despite natural challenges.
References and Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: A resource providing historical data on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Offers detailed historical records and narratives related to the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
