Hoarce Taber US1123 (Amoskeag)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Horace Taber
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: St. Clair, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 138.0 ft (42.06 m); Beam: 27.0 ft (8.23 m); Depth of hold: 9.6 ft (2.93 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 268.49 tons; Net: 255.07 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 9.14 m / 30 ft
• Location: Simcoe Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44° 10.025′ W 76° 32.255′
• Official Number: US1123
• Original Owners: Various, including American and Canadian ownership
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Amoskeag, later renamed Horace Taber, was a wooden two-masted schooner designed for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Built in 1867 in St. Clair, Michigan, it was typical of the robust vessels that formed the backbone of maritime commerce in the 19th century. With its considerable size and durable construction, the schooner was built to endure the challenging conditions of the region.

Description

The Amoskeag began its life as an American-registered vessel, serving Chicago-based trade routes. In 1883, it was renamed Horace Taber following registration changes under new ownership. Throughout its decades of service, the schooner was involved in numerous voyages, carrying cargo such as coal and lumber across the Great Lakes.

History

The schooner became Canadian-registered in 1911 and continued to operate under its new flag until its eventual wrecking. Its transition from American to Canadian ownership reflects the interconnected nature of Great Lakes commerce, which transcended national boundaries.

Significant Incidents

• 1906 Gale: During a severe east gale in November, the Horace Taber drifted ashore alongside the schooner Margaret Dall. While the Margaret Dall was deemed a total loss, the Horace Taber narrowly survived when shifting winds prevented complete destruction.
• 1922 Snowstorm: While en route to Kingston with a cargo of coal, the Horace Taber faced a brutal snowstorm. Alongside the schooner Mary Daryaw, it ran ashore at Four Mile Point. The Horace Taber began breaking apart due to the storm’s intensity, leading to its abandonment.

Final Disposition

• Date of Wreck: November 1922
• Cause: Severe snowstorm and subsequent structural failure.
• Location: Simcoe Island, Lake Ontario, at a depth of 30 feet.
• Current Status: The wreck remains submerged near Simcoe Island and is accessible to divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in relatively shallow water, making it an excellent site for recreational divers. The wooden structure of the schooner has likely deteriorated over time due to natural decay in freshwater, but key structural elements may still be visible, offering insights into its construction and history.

Resources & Links

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Today, the wreck serves as a historical artifact and an intriguing dive site. For divers, it offers a glimpse into the past, while for maritime historians, it underscores the challenges and innovations of Great Lakes shipping during its peak era. The wreck of the Horace Taber remains a testament to the enduring legacy of schooners in North American maritime history.