Dominion (1867)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: DOMINION
• Type: Wooden Schooner (Two-masted)
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: D. Tait
• Dimensions: Length: 79 ft (24 m); Beam: 19 ft (5.8 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 76 tons
• Location: Near Oswego, New York
• Original Owners: Initially owned by David Andrews; later owned by Captain O’Hagan and E. W. Rathbun
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The DOMINION was a wooden, two-masted schooner designed for the transportation of cargo across the Great Lakes.

Description

Built in 1867 by D. Tait in Wellington, Ontario, the schooner was a modestly-sized but capable vessel, contributing to the bustling maritime commerce of the era.

History

The DOMINION’s history reflects the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, where vessels contended with unpredictable weather, collisions, and other hazards. Despite being a small schooner, its repeated service, recovery after multiple incidents, and eventual destruction exemplify the resilience and peril of Great Lakes maritime commerce during this period.

Significant Incidents

• First Loss (September 18, 1870): The DOMINION collided with the schooner FLORENCE HOWARD, sinking quickly. The crew escaped and was rescued by the lumber schooner GEARING.
• Collision with the Steamer DROMEDARY (November 1871): The schooner collided with the steamer DROMEDARY and sank. Specific details about recovery efforts or damage remain unavailable.
• Final Loss (November 20, 1879): The DOMINION was destroyed by pounding waves after striking Ford’s Shoal while attempting to navigate toward Oswego Harbor during a storm.

Final Disposition

The DOMINION was reduced to wreckage and declared a total loss after its final incident.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is important for divers to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories.

Resources & Links

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The story of the schooner DOMINION, from its construction in Wellington, Ontario, to its ultimate demise near Oswego, offers a compelling narrative of life and loss on the Great Lakes. Its history, marked by collisions, storms, and recovery efforts, underscores the hazardous yet vital role of schooners in the region’s 19th-century trade network.