Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lord Elgin
- Type: Sidewheel Steamer
- Year Built: 1845
- Builder: George S. Weeks, Oswego, New York
- Dimensions: 116 ft (35.4 m) x 21 ft (6.4 m) x 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 345 tons
- Location: Believed off Point Traverse or Long Point, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: C33457
- Original Owners: Merrick, Davis & Co. (U.S.), later Hooker, Pridham & Co. (Toronto)
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally constructed as a wooden sidewheel steamer named Syracuse, the vessel was built in 1845 in Oswego, New York by George S. Weeks. Designed for both freight and passenger service, she featured a well-bolted wooden hull, ten state rooms, and capacity to carry up to 2,000 barrels in her hold. The engine was a Hart, Higham & Co. build following the Erickson plan.
Description
After service with Merrick, Davis & Co. on the Oswego-Chicago route, the vessel was sold to Canadian interests in 1852 and renamed Lord Elgin. She then operated in Canadian waters, including routes from Toronto to Montreal. Her size and accommodation quality made her notable among early Canadian Great Lakes steamers.
History
On 2 December 1856, Lord Elgin was reportedly driven ashore during a gale. The exact location is unclear but has been cited variably as Long Point, Lake Ontario or near Point Traverse. Some confusion exists with similarly named vessels, but period sources suggest the grounding occurred during heavy weather while en route with a flour cargo.
Significant Incidents
- The vessel was considered a total loss after grounding.
- While casualty lists were not recorded, sources indicate no fatalities.
- Wreckage was not definitively charted or salvaged and its location remains unknown.
Final Disposition
The vessel was considered a total loss after grounding. While casualty lists were not recorded, sources indicate no fatalities. Wreckage was not definitively charted or salvaged and its location remains unknown.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck remains undiscovered; no definitive underwater location has been verified. The area near Point Traverse and Long Point remains hazardous due to shoals.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lord-elgin-c-33457-syracuse-montreal” title=”References & Links”]
No recorded crew memorials specific to Lord Elgin. None listed in Find A Grave or cemetery archives. Further genealogical research required.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →