Washington (Lady Washington)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Washington (later renamed Lady Washington)
• Type: Sloop (later schooner conversion)
• Year Built: 1798
• Builder: Eliphalet Beebe
• Dimensions: Length ~36 tons (~32.7 metric tons); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: Approximately 36 tons (~32.7 metric tons)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 152 m / 500 ft
• Location: Lake Ontario near Oswego, New York
• Coordinates: Latitude 43.4364 N, Longitude -76.7054 W
• Original Owners: Pennsylvania Population Company (initial), later Canadian merchants
• Number of Masts: Single-masted sloop, later converted to schooner

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Washington was originally constructed as a single-masted sloop, designed for transporting settlers and cargo. At some stage, it was converted into a schooner, a configuration that provided enhanced stability and greater cargo efficiency—a common practice as Great Lakes sailing evolved. Estimated capacity was around 36 tons (~32.7 metric tons). No detailed hull plans or full-length measurements have surfaced, but sonar imagery from the wrecksite now provides archaeological insight into its original design (YBW).

Description

The Washington was originally constructed as a single-masted sloop, designed for transporting settlers and cargo. At some stage, it was converted into a schooner, a configuration that provided enhanced stability and greater cargo efficiency—a common practice as Great Lakes sailing evolved. Estimated capacity was around 36 tons (~32.7 metric tons). No detailed hull plans or full-length measurements have surfaced, but sonar imagery from the wrecksite now provides archaeological insight into its original design (YBW).

History

• Operational Profile: Built 1797–98 by Eliphalet Beebe near Erie, PA, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Population Company; launched 15 September 1798 with service supporting settlement around Lake Erie and adjoining regions (Shipwreck World).
• Ownership Chain: Initially owned by the Pennsylvania Population Company, the sloop was sold to Canadian interests. Upon entry into Lake Ontario, it was commonly referred to as Lady Washington, reflecting its dual-flag identity (Shipwreck World).
• Final Voyage Details: In early November 1803, the vessel departed Kingston, Ontario, heavily laden with general merchandise (including East Indian goods). On 6 November, a fierce gale struck over Lake Ontario. Wreckage, cargo, and the yawl were found ashore near Oswego on 7 November, indicating total loss of vessel and persons onboard (Shipwreck World).
• Notable Incidents: None noted prior to the sinking.

Significant Incidents

• Cause of Loss: Capsized during a severe November gale on Lake Ontario (Ideastream Public Media).
• Wreck Condition: Sonar and ROV imagery have confirmed the wreck in deep water, though specific condition details (e.g., intact hull, structural collapse) are pending archaeological documentation (The Guardian, YBW).

Final Disposition

• Discovery Attribution & Year: Located June 2016 by explorers Jim Kennard, Roger Pawlowski, and Roland “Chip” Stevens using side-scan sonar and ROV technology (Shipwreck World).
• Method of Location: High-resolution side-scan sonar followed by ROV imaging, confirming the wreck’s identity (YBW).

Current Condition & Accessibility

No official navigational warnings or maritime hazard notices have been issued. Listed wreck in Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary—if established—but no “notmar” entries specifically noted (Wikipedia).

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”washington-lady-washington” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

As a diver, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and consider removing any garbage to leave the site better than you found it. The Washington wreck offers a unique glimpse into early maritime history and the challenges faced by vessels on the Great Lakes.