Daniel G. Fort – Lake Ontario Schooner Shipwreck (1894)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Daniel G. Fort
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1869
• Builder: J. Humble
• Dimensions: Length: 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam: 26.3 ft (8.0 m); Depth of hold: 12.1 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 339 tons
• Location: Near the harbor entrance at Oswego, NY
• Official Number: 6627
• Original Owners: B.C. Frost (final owner)
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Daniel G. Fort was a wooden schooner built in 1869, specifically designed for transporting goods such as lumber and iron across the Great Lakes. At 137 feet long, the vessel was considered advanced for its time, constructed with second-growth white oak and innovative techniques for enhanced durability and stability. Capable of carrying over 450 tons of cargo, it was a workhorse in Great Lakes trade during its era.

Description

The Daniel G. Fort was a wooden schooner built in 1869, specifically designed for transporting goods such as lumber and iron across the Great Lakes. At 137 feet long, the vessel was considered advanced for its time, constructed with second-growth white oak and innovative techniques for enhanced durability and stability. Capable of carrying over 450 tons of cargo, it was a workhorse in Great Lakes trade during its era.

History

The Daniel G. Fort enjoyed a long and eventful career as a reliable cargo schooner on the Great Lakes:

• 1869: Built in Tonawanda, NY, for the lower lake trade.
• 1871: Ownership transferred to interests in Dunkirk, NY.
• 1874: Involved in a collision with the barge Eureka at Oswego, NY.
• 1882: Struck the Polk Street Bridge while under tow, requiring repairs.
• 1885: Collided with three vessels (Pathfinder, Cormorant, and Camden), causing significant damage.
• 1894: Entered its final year of service, under the ownership of B.C. Frost.

Despite heavy use, repairs, and multiple accidents, the schooner earned a strong reputation among sailors and insurers for its sturdy construction and reliability.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

• 1874: Collision with the barge Eureka.
• 1882: Struck the Polk Street Bridge.
• 1885: Collided with three vessels, causing significant damage.

Final Disposition

Date of Wreck: November 27, 1894

Location: Near the harbor entrance at Oswego, NY, on Lake Ontario

Cause: Wrecked during a severe gale after losing its towline and grounding on the already-wrecked schooner Baltic.

Final Cargo: None (the schooner was “light” and not carrying cargo at the time).

Outcome: Declared a total loss, valued at $6,000 and insured. All seven crew members were rescued by the Oswego life-saving crew.

The vessel’s grounding near the wreck of the Baltic created additional navigational challenges at the harbor entrance. Over time, the remains of the Daniel G. Fort likely deteriorated due to weather, salvage efforts, and the elements.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Daniel G. Fort was salvaged and left to deteriorate near the harbor entrance. Its wooden hull, exposed to Lake Ontario’s harsh conditions, likely disintegrated quickly. Today, little to no visible remains are expected, though the wreck’s historical significance continues to intrigue maritime historians and enthusiasts.

Resources & Links

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The Daniel G. Fort exemplifies the resilience and risks of 19th-century Great Lakes schooners. Despite its sturdy construction and long service, the vessel fell victim to the unpredictable and often treacherous weather of Lake Ontario. The actions of the Oswego life-saving crew highlight the early efforts to improve maritime safety, ensuring no lives were lost during the vessel’s final voyage. The schooner’s legacy endures as part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.