Identification & Site Information

• Name: NORTH STAR
• Type: Wooden Two-Masted Schooner
• Year Built: 1854
• Builder: G. Waterbury, Point Dover, Ontario
• Dimensions:
• Length: 97 feet (29.57 meters)
• Beam: 22 feet (6.71 meters)
• Depth: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
• Tonnage: 160 tons
• Home Port: Montreal, Quebec
• Final Disposition: Foundered near Stoney Island, Lake Ontario, on November 26, 1886
• Cause of Wreck: Severe winds during a storm
• Estimated Loss: $3,500 (uninsured)
• Coordinates: Near Stoney Island, Lake Ontario (exact location undocumented)

Vessel Type Description

The NORTH STAR was a wooden two-masted Schooner, a prevalent design on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These vessels were optimized for bulk cargo transport while maintaining maneuverability, making them ideal for navigating unpredictable conditions. The NORTH STAR was distinguished by a gilded star mounted atop its main truck, symbolizing the vessel’s name and the pride of its owners. It was a robust, adaptable ship that served the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes for over three decades.

History

•Construction & Early Years (1854–1863)

Built by G. Waterbury at Point Dover, Ontario, the NORTH STAR was initially owned by H. Schuyler. Registered in Port Dover, the vessel transported cargoes such as grain, coal, and lumber across the Great Lakes. It faced its first challenge in 1856, running aground in the Grand River, Lake Erie, but was salvaged and continued operations.

•Ownership Changes (1863–1865)

Ownership passed to Lake & Johnson of Tonawanda, New York, and subsequently to Costigan & Campan in 1864. By 1865, A.W. Caswell of Detroit acquired the Schooner, investing in necessary rebuilds and repairs to maintain its seaworthiness.

•Operational Incidents (1861–1875)

The Schooner’s career was marked by several incidents:

•1861: A man was tragically lost overboard near the Genesee River in Lake Ontario.

•1871: Ran ashore in Racine, Wisconsin, requiring salvage and repairs.

•1875: Rebuilt under new ownership in Chicago, Illinois, reflecting the continued value of the aging vessel.

•Final Years & Sinking (1886)

By the 1880s, the NORTH STAR had weathered numerous challenges, continuing its service on the Great Lakes. However, during a storm on November 26, 1886, the Schooner Foundered near Stoney Island while en route from Fair Haven to Toronto. Severe winds overwhelmed the vessel, leading to its sinking. The Schooner was declared a Total Loss, with damages estimated at $3,500. Its gilded star, a symbol of its identity, disappeared beneath the waves.

Final Disposition

The NORTH STAR sank near Stoney Island, Lake Ontario, during a storm in 1886. Despite its robust construction and storied history, the Schooner succumbed to the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. The wreck site remains undocumented, though maritime historians have preserved its legacy through detailed records.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database: A comprehensive catalog of historical vessels.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records and narratives on Great Lakes maritime history.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A resource for exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the NORTH STAR.
• www.sonarguy.com – Story on the finding

Analysis

The NORTH STAR is emblematic of the wooden schooners that shaped the Great Lakes’ economic and cultural history in the 19th century. Its long service life, marked by numerous ownership changes and maritime incidents, highlights the resilience of these vessels and the challenges faced by their crews. The Schooner’s gilded star symbolized its enduring presence in the maritime trade until its tragic loss in 1886. The NORTH STAR remains a poignant chapter in the narrative of Great Lakes shipping, reflecting the region’s dynamic and perilous maritime history.

3D Model

Lake Ontario – North Star by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab