HMS Tecumseh

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Tecumseth
• Type: Schooner (Pocket Battleship)
• Year Built: circa 1814
• Builder: Unknown (possibly local shipwrights under British naval supervision)
• Dimensions: Length Overall: 76 ft (23.16 m); Beam: Not specified; Depth: Not specified
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
• Original Owners: Royal Navy

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Tecumseth was a schooner built during the War of 1812 as part of Britain’s efforts to control the Upper Great Lakes. Designed as a compact warship, it was heavily armed for its size and employed innovative turret-like gun mounts to maximize firepower and range.

Description

The Tecumseth was a remarkable blend of robust construction and cutting-edge design for its time. Key features included:

• Construction:
  • White oak keel measuring 11 inches wide and 16 inches deep, still intact and exhibiting minimal deterioration after 140 years.
  • Floor timbers spaced 30 inches apart with cant frames angled for added strength.
  • Principal deck beams a foot square, crafted from solid oak.
• Armament:
  • Two long-range 24-pounder long guns mounted on circular tracks (early turret-like system), allowing for a 300-degree firing arc.
  • Two 32-pounder carronades for short-range engagement.
  • Guns were fired over open bulwarks rather than through ports, a revolutionary design minimizing splinter injuries during combat.
• Rigging:
  • Large schooner rig optimized for maneuverability, enabling it to outmaneuver and control engagement distances against square-rigged adversaries.
• Deck Features:
  • Exposed deck with minimal protection, emphasizing mobility and long-range engagement over defensive fortifications.
  • Open rail for quick drainage and reduced splinter hazards.

History

The Tecumseth was built during the War of 1812 to serve as a small but powerful addition to Britain’s inland fleet, leveraging superior maneuverability and firepower to offset American naval dominance on the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

• Partially submerged at the Red Wharf, Penetanguishene.

Final Disposition

The Tecumseth now lies partially submerged at the Red Wharf, Penetanguishene. Portions of the keel, floor timbers, and larboard topside remain intact and are well-preserved due to the anaerobic conditions of the harbor bottom. Other sections of the vessel, particularly the bulwarks and deck structures, are fragmented or lost due to ice, age, and submersion.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Tecumseth is currently in a partially intact state, with significant portions submerged. Lead pencil marks for cant-frame angles are still visible on the clean, smooth timbers, highlighting the craftsmanship of the shipwrights.

Resources & Links

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The Tecumseth remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of naval engineers during the War of 1812. Its story enriches the maritime heritage of Canada and the Great Lakes, connecting modern audiences to a pivotal era in North American history.