Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Clinton
- Type: Sidewheel Steamer
- Year Built: 1841
- Builder: J.D. Beaupre
- Dimensions: Length: 95 ft (28.96 m); Beam: 16 ft (4.88 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.13 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Braddocks Bay, near Genesee, New York
- Original Owners: Jabez N. Gilbert and L.B. Littlefield
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A wooden sidewheel steamer, representative of early powered vessels transitioning from sail to steam, primarily used for towing and general freight on Lake Ontario.
Description
The George Clinton featured a wooden hull and sidewheel propulsion powered by a one-cylinder steam engine. Though modest in size, she was well-suited for regional freight and tow operations. The sidewheel configuration, while now obsolete, was a hallmark of early steam-powered lake vessels.
History
Operating out of Oswego, New York, the George Clinton regularly towed cargo along the Lake Ontario coast. On 13 September 1851, while towing two scows and attempting to outrun a developing storm, she was caught in violent conditions. Efforts to reach shelter in Braddocks Bay were unsuccessful, and the ship was driven ashore and destroyed. Despite the loss, all crew members survived.
Significant Incidents
- Lost during a storm on 13 September 1851 while towing cargo.
- All crew members survived the incident.
Final Disposition
Declared a total loss. The hull was left onshore near Braddocks Bay. The wreckage was likely scattered and over time eroded or buried.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was confirmed destroyed at the time of loss. No formal rediscovery or archaeological documentation exists. The site is presumed lost or buried.
Resources & Links
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The George Clinton reflects a pivotal moment in lake navigation history—an early steam-powered vessel operating amidst evolving technology and high-risk lake conditions. Her loss during an 1851 gale is emblematic of the transitional dangers faced by hybrid sail-steam fleets. Though her remains are lost to Braddocks Bay’s shifting shoreline, her story survives in period newspapers and port records.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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