North Star (1854)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: NORTH STAR
• Type: Wooden Two-Masted Schooner
• Year Built: 1854
• Builder: G. Waterbury, Point Dover, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 97 ft (29.57 m); Beam: 22 ft (6.71 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft (2.44 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 160 tons
• Location: Near Stoney Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Near Stoney Island, Lake Ontario (exact location undocumented)
• Original Owners: H. Schuyler; Lake & Johnson; Costigan & Campan; A.W. Caswell
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

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.

Description

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.

History

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.

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.

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.

Significant Incidents

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.

Final Disposition

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.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the NORTH STAR is not documented, and its exact location remains unknown. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the waters of Lake Ontario, remember the legacy of the NORTH STAR and the importance of preserving our maritime history. Be the diver that makes a difference by leaving the site better than you found it.