Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cattaraugus
- Type: Schooner (two-masted)
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 309 tons
- Location: Lake Ontario
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Cattaraugus was a two-masted wooden schooner, a prevalent design on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners like the Cattaraugus were integral to the economic fabric of the region, specializing in the transport of bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and lumber. These vessels were known for their agility and ability to navigate the lakes’ often unpredictable conditions.
Description
The Cattaraugus was launched in 1857 and immediately entered the bustling Great Lakes trade network. Its sturdy wooden construction and substantial 309-ton capacity made it an essential asset for its operators, capable of handling significant commercial shipments between key ports.
History
In October 1864, the Cattaraugus departed from Chicago, Illinois, laden with a cargo of wheat destined for Oswego, New York. The voyage proceeded without incident until the schooner encountered a fierce storm on Lake Ontario. Gale-force winds and towering waves battered the vessel as it attempted to reach the safety of shore.
Significant Incidents
The crew valiantly fought to save the Cattaraugus, but the relentless storm overwhelmed the schooner. Water poured into the vessel, causing it to list and eventually capsize. The catastrophe claimed the lives of all but one crew member.
George W. Lewis, the lone survivor, managed to cling to floating debris amidst the storm’s fury. His remarkable endurance allowed him to survive until he was rescued by a passing ship. Upon reaching safety, Lewis recounted the tragic events, providing a vivid and sobering account of the schooner’s last moments. His testimony highlighted the severe weather and flooding as the primary factors in the disaster.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Cattaraugus has not been definitively located. There is no record of modern exploration or discovery associated with the vessel’s remains.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: Unknown. If the wreck remains submerged, its wooden structure is likely to have deteriorated significantly over the decades due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario.
Accessibility: Not applicable as no confirmed site has been identified.
Resources & Links
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The sinking of the Cattaraugus serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The loss of all but one crew member underscores the unpredictability of these waters and the devastating impact of severe storms. George W. Lewis’s survival story provides a glimpse into the harrowing reality of such disasters, immortalizing the bravery and resilience of Great Lakes mariners.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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