Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hartford
- Type: Three-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Linn & Co., Gibraltar, Michigan (Master Carpenter: Morgan)
- Dimensions: Length: 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 323 tons, Net: 307 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
- Location: Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: [TBD]
- Official Number: 95229
- Original Owners: G.H. McKinley, W.H. Consaul, and Capt. William O'Toole (Clayton, NY)
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Hartford was a three-masted wooden schooner designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Its construction featured a traditional shoal-draft design, suitable for navigating the varied waters of the Great Lakes.
Description
The Hartford was purpose-built for grain transport, with a single deck and large hold. Its wide beam provided enhanced capacity and stability, making it ideal for carrying bulk cargo such as wheat.
History
Launched in 1873, the Hartford primarily operated out of Oswego and Clayton, New York. Throughout its service, it experienced several maritime incidents, including grounding in 1874 and a collision in 1876. Ownership changed over the years, ultimately leading to a final group based in Clayton, NY, under the command of Capt. William O’Toole. The vessel typically transported wheat, coal, and general cargo between ports on Lakes Michigan, Erie, and Ontario.
Significant Incidents
- Grounded in 1874 at Lime Kiln Crossing, Detroit River.
- Collided with another vessel in Chicago in 1876.
Final Disposition
On 12 October 1894, while en route from Detroit to Cape Vincent with 22,000 bushels of wheat, the Hartford encountered a violent storm in Mexico Bay. Attempts to anchor failed, and the vessel broke apart under the storm’s force. All seven crew members, including Capt. O’Toole and his family, were lost. The vessel was uninsured, although the cargo was covered for $13,000.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Hartford was likely rediscovered by local divers or the New York State Office of General Services during hydrographic surveys. Current imaging was documented in 2022, revealing a largely flattened structure with visible hull outlines and rigging elements. Divers should exercise caution due to structural deterioration and potential entanglement hazards.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hartford-us-95229″ title=”References & Links”]
The Hartford remains a significant historical site, representing the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Its tragic loss serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors in the region.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The Hartford was a three-masted schooner purpose-built for bulk cargo on the Great Lakes. With a single deck and large hold, it was configured for grain transport, featuring a wide beam for enhanced capacity and stability. The hull was constructed of timber in a traditional shoal-draft design, typical of 1870s freight schooners operating between upper and lower lakes.History
Launched in 1873, the Hartford operated largely out of Oswego and Clayton, New York. It endured multiple maritime mishaps including grounding in 1874 (Lime Kiln Crossing, Detroit River) and a collision in Chicago in 1876. Ownership transitioned over the years from Oswego investors to a final group based in Clayton, NY, led by Capt. William O’Toole. Her typical trade included wheat, coal, and general cargo between Lake Michigan, Erie, and Ontario ports.Final Dispositions
On 12 October 1894, en route from Detroit to Cape Vincent carrying 22,000 bushels of wheat, the Hartford was overtaken by a violent storm in Mexico Bay. Attempts to anchor failed; she broke apart under the force of wind and waves. All crew, including Capt. O’Toole, his wife, infant daughter, and four others, were lost. The vessel was uninsured; cargo alone was covered for $13,000.Located By & Date Found
The Hartford wreck was likely rediscovered by local divers or the New York State Office of General Services during modern hydrographic surveys. Exact rediscovery date is not published. Current wreck imaging was documented in 2022.Notmars & Advisories
None officially noted. Divers should use caution due to structural deterioration in shallow water and potential entanglement hazards.Dive Information
Access: Boat Entry Point: Oswego Harbor or Mexico Bay ramp Conditions: Variable visibility, minimal current, silty bottom Depth Range: 35–42 ft (11–13 m) Emergency Contacts: USCG Oswego Sector, NY State Police Marine Unit Permits: Not required Dive Support: Available in Oswego and Pulaski areasCrew & Casualty Memorials
All seven aboard perished. Known victims include: – Capt. William O’Toole – Mrs. O’Toole and infant daughter – Richard Seymour (Mate) – Michael Purcell – Dennis McCarthy – Two unidentified seamen Search FindAGrave and local newspapers for burial or memorial information.Documented Statements & Extracts
“No assistance could reach the schooner as the waves pounded her to pieces. By morning, debris was scattered along the beach.” — Oswego Daily Times, 13 October 1894
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
U.S. enrollment #95229 lists the Hartford as a freight schooner out of Oswego. Vessel was uninsured at time of loss; cargo insurance covered by underwriters at Cape Vincent.Site Documentation & Imaging
2022 photogrammetry and imaging by NYS OGS Dive & Cleanup Team (D&C), shared by diver Dan Gildea. Structure largely flattened, but hull outline and rigging elements remain visible.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- BGSU Vessel Database
- NNY360 News Article – “Gone to Pieces”
- Oswego Daily Times (Oct 13, 1894); Sandy Creek News (Oct 18, 1894)
References
- Great Lakes Vessels Database: Hartford
- Oswego Daily Times, 13 October 1894
- NYS OGS Dive & Cleanup, 2022 Survey Report