IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
SITE DESCRIPTION #
The remains of an old barge have been located just south of the Ellsworth Steamer wreck, lying in shallow water near the shore. The exact identity of the barge is currently unknown, but it is situated close to the well-documented wreck of the steamer Ellsworth. The site is characterized by its proximity to the shore and the shallow water depth, which makes the wreck easily accessible for observation and exploration.
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The barge is likely a wooden flat-bottomed vessel, commonly used during the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting heavy or bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Barges were essential to the commercial activities on the lakes, often serving as transport vessels for materials like coal, timber, and other goods. Due to the lack of specific identification, details about the barge’s size, construction, and operational history remain unclear.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT #
Barges like the one found near the Ellsworth Steamer were crucial for supporting the industrial economy of the Great Lakes region. They were often towed by steamers or tugs and used for moving large quantities of materials between ports. The proximity of the barge to the Ellsworth Steamer suggests that it may have been part of a larger fleet or may have been involved in activities related to the steamer, though this connection is speculative without further research.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE #
The barge wreck adds to the rich maritime history of the area, providing a glimpse into the types of vessels that operated on the Great Lakes. The site’s shallow location makes it accessible for divers and researchers, offering an opportunity to study the construction and use of barges during the period when the Great Lakes were a major hub for cargo transportation.
The close proximity to the Ellsworth Steamer also raises questions about the relationship between the two vessels—whether they were part of the same operation or if the barge was simply lost in the same area due to similar navigational hazards.
FUTURE EXPLORATION AND PRESERVATION #
Further exploration of the barge remains could yield valuable insights into its construction, cargo, and the circumstances of its sinking. Documentation and preservation efforts should focus on capturing detailed images and measurements of the wreck site to help identify the barge and understand its historical significance.
Given the barge’s accessibility, it could also serve as an educational resource for those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Efforts to protect the site from unauthorized disturbance would ensure that it remains intact for future research and exploration.
Youtube Video
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for researching shipwrecks and maritime incidents in the region.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: An organization focused on the preservation and study of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
- Local Historical Societies: These may have additional records or context regarding the barge and its connection to the Ellsworth Steamer.
The unidentified barge near the Ellsworth Steamer is a significant find that contributes to the understanding of the maritime activities that once thrived on Lake Ontario. Further study of the site will help uncover more about the barge’s origins and its role in the broader history of Great Lakes shipping.
