Martha Ogden (1819)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Martha Ogden
• Type: Steamship (early American steamship on the Great Lakes)
• Year Built: 1819
• Builder: Sackets Harbor, New York
• Dimensions: 104 ft (31.7 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 9 m / 30 ft
• Location: Henderson Harbour, Stoney Point, New York, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Near Stoney Point in Nuttings Bay, Henderson Harbour (specific coordinates not provided)
• Original Owners: S. & L. Denison

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Martha Ogden was a wooden steamship, among the pioneering vessels of its kind on the Great Lakes, marking a pivotal transition from sail-powered to steam-powered navigation. At 104 feet long, it was equipped with a steam engine, highlighting the technological advancements of the early 19th century. Steamships like the Martha Ogden played a crucial role in revolutionizing commerce and transportation across the Great Lakes, facilitating quicker and more reliable connections between ports.

Description

The Martha Ogden was constructed in 1819 at Sackets Harbor, a critical naval and shipbuilding center during and after the War of 1812. Owned by S. & L. Denison of Sackets Harbor, the vessel served as both a passenger and cargo carrier, contributing to the burgeoning trade networks on Lake Ontario.

History

On November 12, 1832, the vessel embarked on what would become its final journey. Under Captain William Vaughn, it departed Oswego, New York, bound for Sackets Harbor. During this voyage, the Martha Ogden encountered a violent gale from the south. The worsening storm forced the crew to extinguish the boiler fires, relying instead on sails for navigation. Despite these efforts, shifting winds drove the vessel toward the treacherous lee shore of Stoney Point.

As the situation became critical, Captain Vaughn attempted to anchor the ship, but the cables snapped under the strain. The ship grounded in approximately 10 feet of water, leaving it vulnerable to relentless waves. Displaying remarkable leadership, Captain Vaughn and the crew facilitated the safe evacuation of all 22 passengers and six crew members, using a makeshift pulley system and a Dutch harness rigged with a three-bushel basket. Locals, alerted by a crew member who swam ashore, provided assistance with bonfires to guide and warm the survivors.

Significant Incidents

• The Martha Ogden was declared a total loss, destroyed by the pounding surf of Nuttings Bay. The wooden hull broke apart, and the vessel was irreparably damaged.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Martha Ogden is a significant piece of maritime history, representing the challenges faced by early steamship operations on the Great Lakes. It serves as a testament to the bravery of its crew, particularly Captain Vaughn, who ensured the safe evacuation of all aboard before abandoning the ship himself.

The wreck site offers insights into early 19th-century shipbuilding and the evolution of steam-powered vessels. Its location in shallow waters makes it accessible for potential archaeological study, which could further illuminate the technological and operational aspects of early steamships.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Martha Ogden is believed to remain in shallow waters near Henderson Harbour. Its accessible depth of 30 feet makes it a viable site for exploration by divers and maritime historians. However, the effects of time and environmental conditions have likely degraded the structure. Efforts to document and preserve the wreck would provide valuable information about early Great Lakes steam navigation and contribute to the region’s rich maritime heritage.

Resources & Links

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The Martha Ogden exemplifies the courage and innovation that defined the early days of steamship navigation on the Great Lakes. Its loss in 1832 highlights the challenges of adapting to new technologies while contending with the natural hazards of the inland seas. Today, the wreck serves as both a memorial to those pioneering efforts and an important archaeological site, preserving the legacy of this historic steamship for future generations.