Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Atalanta (1832)

Explore the wreck of the Atalanta, a 19th-century schooner lost in a storm on Lake Ontario, showcasing the challenges of early Great Lakes navigation.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Atalanta
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1832
  • Builder: H. Tiebout
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 109 55/95 tons (increased to 124 39/95 tons after rebuild in 1844)
  • Location: Point Burwell, Ontario
  • Original Owners: D.H. Green (by 1847)
  • Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Atalanta was a two-masted wooden schooner, a versatile and essential design for early 19th-century trade on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Atalanta were integral to regional commerce, transporting bulk goods such as timber, grain, and other commodities across the lakes. Its single-deck construction and moderate tonnage made it well-suited for both coastal and lake-wide operations.

Description

The Atalanta was launched in 1832 at Fairport, Ohio, and began service with enrollment in Cleveland. It supported trade and transportation during a formative period for Great Lakes shipping.

History

Initial Service (1832-1844): Launched in 1832 at Fairport, Ohio, the Atalanta began service with enrollment in Cleveland. It supported trade and transportation during a formative period for Great Lakes shipping.

Rebuild and Continued Service (1844-1848): The schooner underwent a significant rebuild in 1844 at its birthplace in Fairport, which expanded its tonnage to 124 39/95 tons. By 1847, it was owned by D.H. Green, signaling continued demand for its cargo capabilities.

Notable Incident (1848): In June 1848, the Atalanta capsized near Kelly’s Island on Lake Erie. Fortunately, the vessel was recovered and returned to service. Capsizing was a frequent hazard for schooners of the time, as unpredictable weather on the Great Lakes often tested even experienced crews.

Final Voyage and Loss (1851): On April 8, 1851, the Atalanta was wrecked during a severe storm that drove it ashore near Point Burwell, Ontario, on Lake Ontario. The storm’s intensity caused the wreckage of several other schooners in the area, emphasizing the peril faced by vessels navigating these waters. Declared a total loss, the Atalanta likely broke apart or was abandoned near the shoreline.

Significant Incidents

  • 1848: Capsized near Kelly’s Island, Lake Erie, but was recovered and returned to service.
  • 1851: Wrecked during a severe storm near Point Burwell, Ontario, resulting in a total loss.

Final Disposition

The Atalanta was declared a total loss following its wrecking near Point Burwell, Ontario, in April 1851. The severe storm that claimed it was responsible for multiple maritime casualties, underscoring the volatile and dangerous conditions of spring navigation on the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no documented discoveries of the Atalanta’s remains. Its shallow-water wreckage likely deteriorated over time, leaving no identifiable traces. There are no active navigation warnings or hazards associated with the Atalanta’s wreck site. The area around Point Burwell is known for numerous shipwrecks, though none directly attributed to the Atalanta pose modern navigation concerns.

Resources & Links

The Atalanta’s story illustrates the essential role of schooners in Great Lakes trade during the early 19th century. Its nearly two decades of service reflect both the utility and resilience of these vessels, despite the constant threat posed by unpredictable storms. The loss of the Atalanta near Point Burwell serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes and the evolving challenges of early maritime commerce in North America.