George B. Sloan

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: George B. Sloan
• Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Andrew Miller, Oswego, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 138 ft (42 m); Beam: 26 ft 2 in (8 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft 2 in (3.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 313.95 tons; Net: 298 tons
• Location: Harbor entrance, Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Original Owners: Hathaway & Company
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The George B. Sloan was a wooden three-masted schooner designed for the robust and versatile transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. With its large cargo capacity and durable construction, the vessel was typical of mid-19th-century schooners that played a vital role in regional commerce. Its three-mast rigging allowed for greater maneuverability and speed, making it a favored design for shipping companies of the era.

Description

The George B. Sloan was built in 1873 in Oswego, New York, by Andrew Miller, one of the region’s renowned shipbuilders. Initially owned by Hathaway & Company, the schooner was employed in the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes, transporting various goods between ports.

History

Incident in 1876: On September 27, 1876, the schooner struck a stone along the Welland Canal wall between Stone Bridge and Port Colborne, causing it to sink. Fortunately, the vessel was salvaged and repaired. However, shortly after its recovery, it developed a significant leak on Lake Erie, forcing it to seek refuge in Erie, Pennsylvania for emergency repairs.

Collision in 1881: The vessel faced another mishap on October 22, 1881, when it lost its jibboom and bob stays during a collision with an unidentified vessel off Racine, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan. Despite these setbacks, the George B. Sloan continued to serve as a vital freighter on the lakes.

Final Tragedy in 1885: On October 29, 1885, the schooner met its tragic end at the harbor entrance of Oswego, New York, in Lake Ontario. Amidst a fierce gale, the vessel was driven onto the breakwater, where it broke apart and sank. The incident resulted in the loss of one life and marked the end of the schooner’s operational history.

Significant Incidents

• September 27, 1876: Struck a stone in the Welland Canal, sank, salvaged, and repaired.
• October 22, 1881: Lost jibboom and bob stays in a collision off Racine, Wisconsin.
• October 29, 1885: Driven onto the breakwater at Oswego Harbor during a gale, resulting in sinking and one fatality.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the George B. Sloan lies scattered near the breakwater at Oswego Harbor, partially submerged and damaged by the rough waters and impact. The site serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the George B. Sloan are scattered and partially submerged near the breakwater. While not preserved as an official dive site, portions of the wreck may be accessible to divers interested in exploring historical wreckage. The shallow depth and proximity to shore make it a potential site for casual exploration, though visibility and water conditions may vary.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-b-sloan” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The George B. Sloan exemplifies the resilience of Great Lakes schooners and the risks faced by their crews. Despite multiple incidents, including collisions and leaks, the vessel continued to serve for over a decade before succumbing to a storm in 1885. The wreck serves as a historical artifact, offering insights into 19th-century shipbuilding, navigation, and commerce on the Great Lakes.