IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Caledonia was a two-masted wooden schooner, a typical vessel design used in the 19th century for trading and transporting goods across the Great Lakes. With a length of 70 feet and a beam of 20 feet, the Caledonia was relatively small compared to later schooners, but it was well-suited for the busy trade routes between ports like Buffalo, Cleveland, and various Lake Erie destinations.
HISTORY #
The Caledonia was built in 1837 in Oswego, New York, and it quickly became a regular participant in the trade routes between Buffalo and other Lake Erie ports. Throughout its service life, the schooner was enrolled in various ports, reflecting its active role in the regional economy.
The Caledonia had a few notable incidents during its operational years. In 1848, the schooner collided with the steamer Hudson in Cleveland, resulting in damage to its stern. This incident was significant enough to be recorded in contemporary reports. By December 1849, the vessel was auctioned at a marshal’s sale, indicating financial or legal troubles for its owners.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On November 2, 1851, the Caledonia met its final fate when it was caught in a severe storm near Port Burwell on Lake Erie. The storm drove the schooner ashore, resulting in its complete wreck. Reports suggest that the vessel was carrying either lumber or coal at the time of the incident, but there is no record of any loss of life.
The loss of the Caledonia was reported in newspapers in January and November of 1852, underscoring the impact of the event on the local maritime community. The vessel, described as “old” by the time of its wreck, had served in the coal and lumber trade for many years before its demise.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) in effect related to the wreck of the Caledonia.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
