HALIFAX (1851)

VESSEL DESCRIPTION #

The HALIFAX was a wooden brigantine built in 1851 in St. Catharines, Ontario. With a single deck and two masts, the vessel had a tonnage of 200, making it a sturdy cargo ship of its time. The HALIFAX was primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes, including flour and other staples, which were vital to the economy of the region during the mid-19th century.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT #

Service Life: The HALIFAX served for three years as a reliable cargo vessel on Lake Ontario. During its short career, it transported various goods between ports, contributing to the bustling trade that characterized the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Final Voyage: On December 5, 1854, the HALIFAX encountered a severe storm while on Lake Ontario, carrying 2,800 barrels of flour from Toronto. The crew sought shelter by anchoring off Little Sandy Creek, hoping to ride out the gale. Unfortunately, as the storm intensified, the vessel’s anchors slipped, and the HALIFAX was driven ashore near Port Ontario, New York, in Mexico Bay.

The force of the storm was too much for the brigantine to withstand, and it lost its deck load of flour as it grounded on a rocky shoreline. Although the crew managed to survive, several members suffered severe frostbite due to the harsh winter conditions. The HALIFAX sustained critical damage, leading to its eventual total loss.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

Wreck and Loss: The grounding of the HALIFAX was a devastating blow. The vessel was declared a total loss, with the value of the property estimated at $10,000—a significant sum at the time. News of the wreck spread quickly, with reports in the Buffalo Democracy newspaper noting the wreck on December 9, 1854, and confirming the vessel’s destruction by February 1855.

The wreck of the HALIFAX came to rest in Mexico Bay, New York, where it remains to this day. The exact circumstances leading to its final destruction highlight the challenges faced by mariners during the Great Lakes’ unpredictable weather patterns.

CURRENT CONDITION & DIVE INFORMATION #

Wreck Condition: The HALIFAX likely lies in a fragmented state, scattered along the lakebed in Mexico Bay. The wooden structure of the brigantine would have deteriorated over time, though some sections of the hull, as well as potential artifacts from the cargo, may still be present.

Diving Access: Divers interested in exploring the wreck of the HALIFAX can use the provided coordinates to locate the site near Port Ontario, New York. The shallow waters of Mexico Bay may offer good visibility, particularly during calm weather, making it an accessible site for both novice and experienced divers.

Points of Interest: Exploring the wreck of the HALIFAX offers a chance to connect with a piece of Lake Ontario’s maritime history. Divers might encounter remnants of the wooden hull, scattered cargo, or other artifacts that tell the story of the vessel’s tragic final voyage.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE #

The wreck of the HALIFAX is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes mariners in the 19th century. Its loss underscores the dangers of navigating these waters, particularly during the harsh winter months. The story of the HALIFAX also highlights the importance of these vessels in sustaining trade and commerce in the region.

The HALIFAX’s final resting place in Mexico Bay serves as a silent witness to the power of nature and the bravery of those who sailed the Great Lakes.

Photo Gallery CC Ben Ioset 2023

RESOURCES & LINKS #

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

   • A comprehensive resource detailing the history of vessels on the Great Lakes, including the HALIFAX.
   • Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. Great Lakes Ships

   • Provides context and information on the types of vessels that operated on the Great Lakes, offering insights into the HALIFAX‘s service and history.
   • Great Lakes Ships

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File

   • A resource for researching shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the HALIFAX.
   • David Swayze Shipwreck File

4. Historical Newspaper Archives

   • Access to historical reports and articles, including those from the Buffalo Democracy, which documented the wreck of the HALIFAX.
   • Newspaper Archives