Montgomery (Northern Light)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Montgomery
• Type: Canal Schooner
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Not detailed; designed as a canal schooner to transit the Welland Canal
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Shallow water on a rocky bottom
• Number of Masts: Two masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden canal schooner with two masts, retrofitted with a second centerboard in 1866.

Description

The Montgomery, originally built as the Northern Light in 1853, was a canal schooner optimized for transiting the Welland Canal. These vessels were specifically designed to navigate the narrow locks and shallow channels, facilitating the transport of bulk goods such as grain and lumber between Lakes Erie and Ontario. The addition of a second centerboard during the 1866 rebuild improved the vessel’s stability and handling, enhancing its operational capabilities on the Great Lakes.

After its rebuild and renaming, the Montgomery continued in service carrying bulk cargoes, predominantly grain and coal. For nearly four decades, it was part of the bustling trade network that defined the Great Lakes shipping economy in the 19th century.

The vessel met its demise in 1890 when a gale drove it ashore. Stuck on a rocky bottom in shallow water, attempts to remove the ship proved futile. Salvors stripped the ship of its rigging and cargo, leaving the hulk to the elements. Over the years, wave and ice action gradually reduced the ship to a wreck.

History

In 1958, the wreck was rediscovered by divers stationed at Camp Haven. It became a popular dive site through the 1970s, offering a glimpse into the maritime past. After its popularity waned, the wreck’s precise location was lost for decades. In 2018, the site was rediscovered and documented, providing fresh insights into the vessel’s history and construction.

Significant Incidents

• 1853: Original construction as the Northern Light.
• 1866: Rebuilt and renamed Montgomery.
• 1890: Driven ashore in a gale and abandoned after salvage.
• 1958: Rediscovered by divers.
• 2018: Site rediscovered and documented.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies in shallow water on a rocky bottom. It is no longer actively marked on navigation charts and is primarily of interest to historians and divers. No known navigational hazards are associated with the site today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible for diving, but divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring the site remains undisturbed for future exploration.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”montgomery-northern-light” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The story of the Montgomery (formerly Northern Light) encapsulates the resilience of Great Lakes schooners in the face of changing needs and environments. Originally constructed for the Welland Canal trade, the vessel’s adaptations reflect the evolving demands of the shipping industry. The rediscovery and documentation of its wreck highlight the ongoing fascination with the region’s maritime heritage and underscore the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.