Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Adjutant Clitz
• Type: Schooner or small military auxiliary vessel
• Year Built: Likely during or just after the War of 1812
• Dimensions:
• Location: Clayton, New York, St. Lawrence River

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Adjutant Clitz was likely a schooner or small auxiliary vessel, part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet stationed at Sackets Harbor. Ships designated as part of the “ordinary” fleet were decommissioned or laid up in reserve, often awaiting refitting, sale, or scrapping. Vessels of this type were versatile, built for reconnaissance, transport, or light defense duties during their operational period.

Description

The vessel originally served as part of the ordinary fleet stationed at Sackets Harbor. This port was a critical U.S. naval base during the War of 1812, housing many reserve ships after the war’s conclusion. Adjutant Clitz remained in ordinary until it was sold in 1825.

Upon its sale, the vessel was renamed Adjutant Clitz. Its new role and owner remain unclear, though it likely transitioned to civilian use, possibly as a transport or freight vessel given the region’s burgeoning trade network.

By 1837, the vessel had fallen into disuse and was abandoned in Clayton, New York. According to research by Professor Ben Ford of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the Adjutant Clitz may have been repurposed as part of the Clayton Town dock, where sections of old ships were often integrated into infrastructure projects.

History

The Adjutant Clitz was abandoned around 1837 in Clayton, New York. Historical evidence suggests parts of the vessel were used in the construction of the Clayton Town dock, a common practice during the period to recycle wooden ships no longer deemed seaworthy.

Significant Incidents

• No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relate to the site, as the vessel’s remains are integrated into the dock infrastructure.

Final Disposition

The remnants of the Adjutant Clitz are believed to be incorporated into the structure of the Clayton Town dock. If extant, the vessel’s components may be submerged or buried under successive dock expansions.

If located and studied, the remnants of the Adjutant Clitz could provide valuable insights into ship construction methods of the early 19th century, particularly for naval auxiliaries repurposed for civilian use.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site of the Adjutant Clitz is currently integrated into the Clayton Town dock, making direct access to the wreck challenging. The condition of any remaining components is unknown, as they may be submerged or buried.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The story of the Adjutant Clitz reflects the practical realities of early 19th-century ship life on the Great Lakes. From its service at Sackets Harbor to its presumed incorporation into the Clayton Town dock, the vessel’s lifecycle embodies the resourcefulness of maritime communities in repurposing aging vessels. As part of the dock, the Adjutant Clitz remains a quiet, unassuming reminder of the Great Lakes’ rich naval and shipping history.