Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George M. Chapman
- Type: two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1854
- Builder: George Swick in Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 130 ft (39.6 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 318 gross tons
- Location: Oswego Harbor, New York
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The George M. Chapman was a two-masted wooden schooner, a common design for vessels used on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.
Description
The George M. Chapman was constructed in Buffalo, New York, primarily to carry bulk cargo such as wheat, coal, or other goods across the Great Lakes. Its sturdy build and streamlined hull were suited for transporting goods efficiently across the expansive waters.
History
The schooner George M. Chapman, also referred to as G.M. Chapman, embarked on what would be her final voyage from Chicago, Illinois, to Oswego, New York. She was laden with a cargo of wheat, a staple commodity in Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. On November 4, 1856, while attempting to enter Oswego Harbor on Lake Ontario, the schooner encountered a severe storm.
The weather was described as a “perfect hurricane”, one of the worst storms of the season. The gale’s violent winds and heavy seas made navigation nearly impossible. While approaching the harbour’s east pier, the vessel was driven ashore. The pounding waves battered the George M. Chapman until the hull broke apart, rendering the vessel a total loss.
Despite the schooner’s destruction, the crew miraculously survived the ordeal, likely aided by proximity to the harbour and the shore.
Significant Incidents
- The George M. Chapman was lost during a severe storm on November 4, 1856, while attempting to enter Oswego Harbor.
- The vessel broke apart near the east pier, resulting in a total loss of the ship and its cargo.
- No lives were reported lost in the incident.
Final Disposition
The schooner broke apart near the east pier of Oswego Harbor. Her cargo of wheat was lost along with the vessel. No lives were reported lost.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no current records indicating if the wreck has been located or surveyed in modern times. The location of the George M. Chapman is presumed to be within Oswego Harbor near the east pier. The wreckage may still pose potential underwater obstructions for navigation, though it is likely to have deteriorated significantly.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-m-chapman-1854″ title=”References & Links”]
The George M. Chapman remains a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the challenges faced by vessels during the 19th century and the dangers of severe weather conditions on the lakes.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
General Information
- Name, Former Names: George M. Chapman (also known as G.M. Chapman)
- Registration Number(s): Not documented in available records.
- Date Built and Launched: Built in 1854.
- Builder: George Swick in Buffalo, New York.
- Measurements:
- Length: 130 feet (39.6 m)
- Beam: 26 feet (7.9 m)
- Depth: 11 feet (3.4 m)
- Tonnage: 318 gross tons.
- Date Lost: November 4, 1856.
Vessel Type
The George M. Chapman was a two-masted wooden schooner, a common design for vessels used on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.
Description
The George M. Chapman was constructed in Buffalo, New York, primarily to carry bulk cargo such as wheat, coal, or other goods across the Great Lakes. Its sturdy build and streamlined hull were suited for transporting goods efficiently across the expansive waters.
History
The schooner George M. Chapman, also referred to as G.M. Chapman, embarked on what would be her final voyage from Chicago, Illinois, to Oswego, New York. She was laden with a cargo of wheat, a staple commodity in Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. On November 4, 1856, while attempting to enter Oswego Harbor on Lake Ontario, the schooner encountered a severe storm.
The weather was described as a “perfect hurricane”, one of the worst storms of the season. The gale’s violent winds and heavy seas made navigation nearly impossible. While approaching the harbour’s east pier, the vessel was driven ashore. The pounding waves battered the George M. Chapman until the hull broke apart, rendering the vessel a total loss.
Despite the schooner’s destruction, the crew miraculously survived the ordeal, likely aided by proximity to the harbour and the shore.
Final Disposition
The schooner broke apart near the east pier of Oswego Harbor. Her cargo of wheat was lost along with the vessel. No lives were reported lost.
Located By & Date Found
There are no current records indicating if the wreck has been located or surveyed in modern times.
Notmars & Advisories
The location of the George M. Chapman is presumed to be within Oswego Harbor near the east pier. The wreckage may still pose potential underwater obstructions for navigation, though it is likely to have deteriorated significantly.
Resources & Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Includes brief details on the vessel and her loss.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive archive on historical Great Lakes vessels, storms, and wrecks.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Additional ship profiles and historical documentation.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
- Keywords: George M. Chapman, G.M. Chapman, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, 1856 Great Lakes storm, Oswego Harbor, wheat schooner.
- Categories: Lake Ontario Shipwrecks, Wooden Schooners, 19th-Century Great Lakes Vessels, Lost Cargo Ships.
Glossary Terms
- Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically used in the 19th century for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
- Gale: A strong wind, often classified at sea as 34-40 knots (63-74 km/h).
- East Pier: A man-made structure extending into a harbour to protect it from waves and facilitate vessel entry.