Beagle (1843)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Beagle
• Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel
• Year Built: 1843
• Builder: Niagara Harbour & Dock Company, Niagara, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 90 ft (27.4 m); Beam: 17 ft (5.2 m); Depth of hold:
• Registered Tonnage: Approximately 95 tons
• Location: Port Hope, Lake Ontario
• Original Owners: Toronto & St. Lawrence Navigation Company; J. H. Glassford of Montreal

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Beagle was an early example of a wooden screw-propelled vessel, a technological advancement in mid-19th-century shipbuilding. Powered by a single-cylinder engine driving twin propellers, the vessel was designed for efficient navigation and was a workhorse for Great Lakes trade. Its construction in 1843 placed it among the pioneering vessels utilizing propeller technology, which would later dominate maritime propulsion.

Description

The Beagle was launched in 1843 and operated primarily on Lake Ontario, participating in the burgeoning trade routes that connected ports like Toronto, Kingston, and Montreal. Initially owned by the Toronto & St. Lawrence Navigation Company, the vessel played a critical role in cargo and passenger transportation during the early years of steam navigation on the Great Lakes.

History

Early Career

The Beagle was launched in 1843 and operated primarily on Lake Ontario, participating in the burgeoning trade routes that connected ports like Toronto, Kingston, and Montreal. Initially owned by the Toronto & St. Lawrence Navigation Company, the vessel played a critical role in cargo and passenger transportation during the early years of steam navigation on the Great Lakes.

Ownership and Incidents

• November 1847: The vessel faced its first major mishap when it was driven ashore near Presque Isle during a storm. Damage was minor, but the incident foreshadowed the challenges of navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes.
• 1849: By this time, the Beagle was owned by J. H. Glassford of Montreal, continuing its service on the lake.
• Wreck at Port Hope In October 1849, the Beagle was caught in a violent storm near Port Hope, Lake Ontario, where it was wrecked near the wharf. Despite no loss of life, the damage was severe.
• May 1851: The vessel was auctioned “as she now lies at Port Hope,” suggesting that insurers had deemed it a total loss.

Possible Rebuilding as Hope

While the Beagle’s remains were auctioned, some sources suggest it may have been salvaged and rebuilt under the name Hope. However, the specifics of this transformation, if it occurred, are not well-documented, leaving its ultimate fate uncertain.

Significant Incidents

• November 1847: Driven ashore near Presque Isle during a storm.
• October 1849: Wrecked near Port Hope in a violent storm.
• May 1851: Auctioned as a total loss.

Final Disposition

The Beagle was declared a total loss following its wreck at Port Hope in October 1849. Its sale at auction in 1851 marked the end of its documented history. The possibility of its rebirth as the Hope adds an intriguing layer to its story but remains speculative due to a lack of detailed records.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Beagle’s wreck has not been extensively documented, and it is unclear if any remains are visible or accessible today. The site near Port Hope holds historical interest, but the condition of any remnants is unknown, likely buried or deteriorated due to the passage of time.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”beagle-1843″ title=”References & Links”]

The story of the Beagle offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of steam propulsion on the Great Lakes. From its innovative design to its dramatic wreck near Port Hope, the vessel’s history reflects the risks and rewards of maritime operations during the mid-19th century. Whether it ended its journey in pieces or as the rebuilt Hope, the Beagle remains an important part of Great Lakes maritime history.