IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
| Type of Wreck: Wooden Schooner Location: Mouth of the Murray Canal, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario Dimensions: 117 feet (35.7 meters) in length, 25 feet (7.6 meters) in beam, 8.1 feet (2.5 meters) in depth Gross Tonnage: 171 tons Net Tonnage: 162 tons Site Status: The vessel sank on May 28, 1913, and remains submerged near the Murray Canal. |
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Major N.H. Ferry was a majestic wooden schooner, constructed primarily from oak and built to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The schooner was designed for both cargo and passenger transport, reflecting the maritime traditions of the late 19th century. With its Class A classification, the Major N.H. Ferry was considered a robust and reliable vessel, capable of enduring the rigors of long voyages.
HISTORY: #
The Major N.H. Ferry was built in 1867 in Ferrysburg, Michigan, by F. Pearson, and initially registered in Grand Haven, Michigan. Owned by Ferry & White, and later Ferry & Co., the schooner sailed the Great Lakes with distinction, becoming a familiar sight on the waters.
In 1880, the Major N.H. Ferry experienced its first major incident when it collided with the propeller DEAN RICHMOND in Chicago, Illinois. The collision resulted in the schooner sinking, but it was successfully salvaged, repaired, and returned to service—a testament to the vessel’s resilience.
As the years passed, the Major N.H. Ferry changed ownership, and by 1909, it was owned by J.F. Soward and James Oliver of Kingston, Ontario. The vessel continued to serve the Great Lakes community, transporting goods and passengers across the expansive waterway.
However, on May 28, 1913, the schooner’s storied career came to a tragic end. While en route from Kingston to Oswego, New York, the Major N.H. Ferry collided with a pier at the mouth of the Murray Canal in Lake Ontario. The impact caused significant damage to the vessel, leading it to sink rapidly. The schooner was declared a total loss, with the casualty report estimating the damage at approximately $2,100.
The sinking of the Major N.H. Ferry marked the end of an era for this proud vessel. The ship’s final resting place in the waters of the Murray Canal in the Bay of Quinte serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in maritime travel and the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Major N.H. Ferry was declared a total loss after sinking at the mouth of the Murray Canal on May 28, 1913. The wreck remains submerged in the Bay of Quinte, where it has become a site of interest for historians and divers exploring the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the Major N.H. Ferry wreck site. However, mariners should be cautious when navigating near the entrance to the Murray Canal due to potential underwater hazards.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the Major N.H. Ferry was recorded immediately following its sinking in 1913. Its location near the mouth of the Murray Canal has been known since, although it is not a widely recognized or frequently explored wreck.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed information on shipwrecks and maritime history in the Great Lakes region.
- Department of Marine & Fisheries, 1915 Casualty Report: Archival records documenting the vessel’s final moments.
KEYWORDS: #
Major N.H. Ferry, Wooden Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Murray Canal, Bay of Quinte, 1913 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History.
ANALYSIS: #
The Major N.H. Ferry represents the grandeur and durability of 19th-century schooners that served the Great Lakes. Despite its impressive construction and storied career, the vessel’s tragic end in 1913 highlights the inherent dangers of maritime navigation. The wreck of the Major N.H. Ferry is a valuable historical artifact, offering insights into the shipbuilding techniques, trade routes, and daily life of the sailors who braved the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
