Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: HENRY CLAY
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1831
- Builder: H. Fitzhugh
- Dimensions: Exact dimensions unrecorded
- Registered Tonnage: Nil
- Location: Approximately 10-12 miles off the coast of Port Dalhousie, Ontario
- Official Number: Nil
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The HENRY CLAY was a two-masted schooner crafted for cargo transport.
Description
Constructed in Oswego, New York, the HENRY CLAY embarked on its maiden voyage in 1831 under the command of Captain Campbell. Built by H. Fitzhugh, it was primarily intended for cargo operations, demonstrated by its shipment of salt barrels during its final voyage.
The ship departed Oswego bound for Cleveland, navigating Lake Ontario via the Welland Canal. It carried 7–800 barrels of salt, a heavy cargo for the relatively small vessel.
History
As the HENRY CLAY ventured into the open waters of Lake Ontario, a sudden and violent squall overcame it roughly 10–12 miles off the coast of Port Dalhousie, Ontario. This storm overwhelmed the ship’s capabilities, capsizing and sinking it rapidly. Accounts indicate that of the eleven individuals aboard, only three survived the ordeal, rescued by the steamer CANADA, which was travelling nearby.
The vessel’s construction and handling were factors in its demise. Historical analyses suggest the captain lacked experience with lake sailing, contributing to poor decision-making during the storm.
Significant Incidents
- July 19, 1831: The HENRY CLAY capsized and sank during a violent squall on Lake Ontario.
- Of the eleven individuals aboard, only three survived, rescued by the nearby steamer CANADA.
Final Disposition
The wreckage of the HENRY CLAY remains undiscovered, resting somewhere in the depths of Lake Ontario.
No records indicate the wreck has been located as of yet.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No official advisories or obstructions related to this site are reported.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”henry-clay-1831″ title=”References & Links”]
The HENRY CLAY’s story is a testament to the treacherous conditions faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes. It remains a poignant chapter in Lake Ontario’s maritime history, with its wreck a potential archaeological and historical site waiting to be discovered.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →