Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

London C 72584

Explore the wreck of the London, a versatile brigantine turned tow barge, lost in 1886 during a gale near Oswego, NY.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: London
  • Type: Brigantine (later re-rigged as a schooner and used as a tow barge)
  • Year Built: 1852
  • Builder: Dexter D. Calvin (D.D. Calvin)
  • Dimensions: Length 132 ft (40.2 m); Beam 22.4 ft (6.8 m); Depth of hold 10.7 ft (3.3 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 318 tons (later adjusted to 338 tons in 1879 and 263 net tons as a tow barge)
  • Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
  • Official Number: 72584
  • Original Owners: D.D. Calvin, John Frazer, Calvin & Breck, Kingston & Montreal Towing Co.
  • Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The London was originally constructed as a three-masted brigantine, designed for carrying bulk cargo such as grain and timber. It was later re-rigged as a schooner and used as a tow barge.

Description

The London served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes for over three decades, adapting to the shifting needs of maritime trade. Its history reflects the versatility of Great Lakes vessels and the challenges of 19th-century shipping.

History

The London was built in 1852 at Garden Island, Ontario, by Dexter D. Calvin. It underwent numerous ownership changes and modifications throughout its operational history, including re-rigging and extensive repairs.

Chronology:

  • 1852-1858: Owned by D.D. Calvin, operating as a brigantine.
  • 1858: Purchased by John Frazer, grounded in a storm but salvaged.
  • 1859: Ran ashore at Bar Point, requiring repairs.
  • 1864: Ownership transferred to Calvin & Breck, re-rigged as a barkantine.
  • 1870: Underwent large-scale repairs.
  • 1871: Suffered a broken rudder post, necessitating repairs.
  • 1876: Returned to D.D. Calvin, re-rigged as a brigantine.
  • 1879: Registered as a 338-ton schooner.
  • 1886: Owned by Kingston & Montreal Towing Co., used as a tow barge.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Wreck Event:

  • Date of Loss: October 2, 1886
  • Final Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
  • Cause of Loss: During a gale, the London was being towed by the tug Ferris when it was torn free from the towline and driven ashore, resulting in a total loss.
  • Cargo: None reported, as it was operating as a tow barge.

Final Disposition

There is no record of significant recovery or archaeological exploration of the wreck. Given its wooden construction and the dynamic waters near Oswego, the remains of the London may have deteriorated significantly or been scattered.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the London remains unexamined, and its current condition is unknown. The lack of recovery efforts suggests that it may be difficult to locate or access.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”london-c-72584″ title=”References & Links”]

The London stands as a testament to the maritime history of the Great Lakes, illustrating the adaptability of vessels in response to changing economic demands and the inherent risks of navigation during the 19th century.

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.

London (1852, Brigantine) – Historical Overview

Identification & Site Information

Specifications

  • Length: 132 feet (40.2 m)
  • Beam: 22.4 feet (6.8 m)
  • Depth: 10.7 feet (3.3 m)
  • Tonnage (Old Style): 318 tons (later adjusted to 338 tons in 1879 and 263 net tons as a tow barge).

Operational History

The London was originally constructed in 1852 as a three-masted brigantine, designed for carrying bulk cargo such as grain, timber, and other goods. Over the years, it underwent numerous ownership changes, modifications, and repairs, reflecting its long and versatile career on the Great Lakes.

Chronology:

  • 1. 1852–1858: Owned by D.D. Calvin, one of the most prominent shipbuilders and maritime entrepreneurs of the era. The vessel operated as a brigantine, supporting the growing lumber and grain trade.
  • 2. 1858: Purchased by John Frazer and grounded at Big Sodus, NY, in a storm on October 20. The ship was salvaged and returned to service.
  • 3. 1859: Ran ashore at Bar Point, Lake Erie, in July, requiring significant repairs.
  • 4. 1864: Ownership transferred to Calvin & Breck, Garden Island, and the London was re-rigged as a 380-ton barkantine, increasing its cargo capacity.
  • 5. 1870: Underwent large-scale repairs to maintain seaworthiness.
  • 6. 1871: Suffered a broken rudder post on Lake Erie in October, necessitating more repairs.
  • 7. 1876: Returned to the ownership of D.D. Calvin and associates, operating out of Kingston. The vessel was re-rigged as a brigantine again and repaired extensively.
  • 8. 1879: Registered as a 338-ton schooner under Calvin & Breck, Kingston.
  • 9. 1886: By this time, the London was owned by the Kingston & Montreal Towing Co. and used as a tow barge, carrying bulk cargo while being towed by steam tugs.

Final Voyage and Wreck Event

  • Date of Loss: October 2, 1886
  • Final Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
  • Cause of Loss: During a gale, the London was being towed by the tug Ferris. The barge was torn free from the tug’s towline and driven ashore by the storm’s powerful winds and waves. The vessel was declared a total loss.
  • Cargo: None reported, as it was operating as a tow barge.

Significance and Legacy

The London served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes for more than three decades, adapting to the shifting needs of maritime trade. Its history reflects:

  • The Versatility of Great Lakes Vessels: The vessel’s repeated re-rigging and modifications showcase how ships were repurposed to meet changing economic demands.
  • Challenges of 19th-Century Shipping: The London‘s multiple groundings and final wreck illustrate the hazards of navigating the Great Lakes, including unpredictable storms and mechanical failures.
  • Connection to Garden Island: As a product of D.D. Calvin’s shipyard, the London is part of Garden Island’s rich shipbuilding legacy, which was instrumental in Kingston’s economic development.

Current Status

There is no record of significant recovery or archaeological exploration of the wreck. Given its wooden construction and the dynamic waters near Oswego, the remains of the London may have deteriorated significantly or been scattered.

Resources & References

  • C. Patrick Labadie Collection: Historical data on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.
  • Canadian Registers and Kingston Archives: Records of the London‘s ownership and modifications.
  • Erik Heyl: Early American Steamers Documentation of 19th-century shipbuilding and maritime operations.
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes
  • Great Lakes Ships
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