Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C. Deming
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1837
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: 117 tons (approx. 106 metric tonnes)
- Location: Charlotte Harbor, New York, Lake Ontario
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Bronson & Crocker, Oswego, New York
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The C. Deming was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and ability to navigate the often shallow and treacherous waters of the lakes.
Description
Built in 1837, the C. Deming was a 117-ton wooden schooner designed for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying agricultural products such as wheat and flour, which were in high demand during the era of rapid urban development in the region.
History
On December 7, 1844, while en route from Toronto to Oswego with a cargo of 3,000 bushels of wheat and 160 barrels of flour, the C. Deming encountered a severe storm on Lake Ontario. Attempting to seek shelter, she entered Charlotte Harbor, New York. Despite dropping anchor, the vessel’s anchor dragged due to the storm’s intensity, causing her to be driven onto the east pier. The schooner broke up as a result of the grounding. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported among the crew. The vessel was owned by Bronson & Crocker of Oswego, New York. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Significant Incidents
- December 7, 1844: The C. Deming was lost during a storm on Lake Ontario after her anchor dragged, leading to grounding on the east pier.
Final Disposition
Following the grounding and subsequent breakup, the C. Deming was considered a total loss. There are no records indicating that the wreck was salvaged or located, and it remains undiscovered to this day.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck of the C. Deming has not been located.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-deming-1837″ title=”References & Links”]
The C. Deming serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Her loss near Charlotte Harbor during a December storm highlights the challenges of navigation and the ever-present danger of sudden storms in the region. While the vessel remains undiscovered, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Ontario.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C. Deming (also recorded as C. Deeming)
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: None
- Date Built & Launched: 1837
- Builder: Not specified
- Construction: Wooden schooner
- Tonnage: 117 tons (approx. 106 metric tonnes)
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Date Lost: December 7, 1844
- Location of Loss: Charlotte Harbor, New York, Lake Ontario
- Cargo at Time of Loss: 3,000 bushels of wheat and 160 barrels of flour
- Cause of Loss: Storm; anchor dragged, leading to grounding on the east pier
- Crew: No fatalities reported
- Final Disposition: Total loss; broke up after grounding
- Owner at Time of Loss: Bronson & Crocker, Oswego, New York
Vessel Type
The C. Deming was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and ability to navigate the often shallow and treacherous waters of the lakes.
Description
Built in 1837, the C. Deming was a 117-ton wooden schooner designed for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying agricultural products such as wheat and flour, which were in high demand during the era of rapid urban development in the region.
History
On December 7, 1844, while en route from Toronto to Oswego with a cargo of 3,000 bushels of wheat and 160 barrels of flour, the C. Deming encountered a severe storm on Lake Ontario. Attempting to seek shelter, she entered Charlotte Harbor, New York. Despite dropping anchor, the vessel’s anchor dragged due to the storm’s intensity, causing her to be driven onto the east pier. The schooner broke up as a result of the grounding. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported among the crew. The vessel was owned by Bronson & Crocker of Oswego, New York.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition
Following the grounding and subsequent breakup, the C. Deming was considered a total loss. There are no records indicating that the wreck was salvaged or located, and it remains undiscovered to this day.
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, the wreck of the C. Deming has not been located.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the C. Deming. Mariners operating in the area near Charlotte Harbor, New York, should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The C. Deming serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Her loss near Charlotte Harbor during a December storm highlights the challenges of navigation and the ever-present danger of sudden storms in the region. While the vessel remains undiscovered, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Ontario.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: C. Deming, schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, Charlotte Harbor maritime history
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Vessels, Schooners
Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with fore-and-aft sails on two or more masts, commonly used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
- Charlotte Harbor: A harbor located in New York on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, historically significant for shipping and commerce.
- Lake Ontario: One of the five Great Lakes of North America, known for its significant role in maritime trade and numerous shipwrecks due to unpredictable weather conditions.
- Storm: A weather condition characterized by strong winds and often precipitation, posing significant hazards to maritime navigation.
- Anchor Dragging: A situation where a vessel’s anchor fails to hold the ship in place, often due to strong currents or winds, leading to unintended movement and potential grounding.