IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL DESCRIPTION #
The schooner ASP, originally built as HMS Elizabeth in 1808, was constructed in Mississauga, Ontario. This vessel had a versatile and storied history, initially serving as an armed British schooner during the War of 1812. The Elizabeth was a compact, well-built vessel designed for the rigors of both military and commercial operations on the Great Lakes.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT #
War of 1812 Service: The HMS Elizabeth was actively involved in military actions on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812. In 1812, the vessel was captured by the American naval vessel Growler. Following its capture, the Elizabeth was renamed USS Asp and integrated into the U.S. Navy. As Asp, the schooner participated in several notable military actions, including attacks on York (present-day Toronto) and Fort George, playing a key role in the naval confrontations of the war.
Post-War Commercial Use: After the war, in 1815, the Asp was sold into commercial service, where it operated primarily out of Niagara. The schooner was employed in the transportation of goods, including lumber and staves, across Lake Ontario. During this period, the Asp transitioned from a military asset to a working schooner engaged in the bustling trade that characterized the Great Lakes during the early 19th century.
FINAL VOYAGE AND WRECK #
October 9, 1820: On October 9, 1820, while navigating near Long Point on Lake Ontario, the Asp encountered a violent storm. The storm, typical of the unpredictable weather on the Great Lakes, proved too severe for the schooner. The vessel sprang a leak, became waterlogged, and eventually capsized. Of the eleven people aboard, only two survived—a lady and a gentleman whose names are not recorded. The captain of the Asp, identified as Captain Prosser, was tragically washed overboard and drowned.
The wreck occurred off Salmon River in Mexico Bay, near Oswego, New York. The incident was a significant loss, with nine lives claimed by the storm. On the same day, several other American vessels were also stranded in the area, although they avoided any fatalities.
LEGACY AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE #
The Asp‘s history is notable for its transformation from a British armed schooner to an American naval vessel and finally to a commercial schooner. Its involvement in key battles during the War of 1812 and its subsequent civilian service highlight the fluid roles that many vessels of the time played. The tragic wreck in 1820 marks the end of the Asp‘s journey, adding it to the long list of ships lost to the treacherous waters of Lake Ontario.
The Asp‘s story is a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes and the historical significance of these waters during a formative period in North American history.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
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Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- A comprehensive resource detailing the history of vessels on the Great Lakes, including the Asp.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
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Great Lakes Ships
- Detailed information and records of Great Lakes ships, providing context for the Asp‘s service and wreck.
- Great Lakes Ships
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David Swayze Shipwreck File
- A valuable resource for researching shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the Asp.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
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Thousand Islands Life
- Articles and historical records related to the Thousand Islands and surrounding areas, where the Asp operated.
- Thousand Islands Life
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The History Marker DBase
- A database of historical markers and related information, including sites relevant to the Asp.
- The History Marker DBase
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Fandom WikiWand
- Articles and information on historical ships and naval vessels, including the Asp.
- WikiWand
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Otsego Herald, 30 October 1820, Pg 3 Col 2, 3
- A historical newspaper article providing contemporary accounts of the Asp‘s wreck.
- Otsego Herald Archives
