Ontario (1810)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Ontario
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1810
• Builder: Porter, Barton & Company, Lewiston, New York
• Dimensions: Length 65 ft (19.8 m); Beam 19 ft (5.8 m); Depth of hold 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 87.57 tons (old measurement system)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 2 m / 8 ft
• Location: Long Point Bay, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 42°38.11’N, 80°22.02’W
• Original Owners: Porter, Barton & Company; Hunter, Crane, and others; S. Hawley
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Ontario was a two-masted wooden schooner, typical of the early 19th century, built to transport cargo along the Great Lakes. Its manageable size and sturdy construction made it ideal for navigating Lake Erie’s challenging waters.

Description

The Ontario is an early example of Great Lakes schooner construction and operation. Its long service life, multiple ownerships, and final resting place reflect the challenges faced by early maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its shallow wreck site serves as both a historical artifact and an ecological haven.

History

Ownership and Modifications

• 1810: Built in Lewiston, New York, for Porter, Barton & Company.
• 1816: Ownership transferred to Hunter, Crane, and others in New York.
• 1834: Rebuilt to increase tonnage and extend its service life.
• April 9, 1834: Owned by S. Hawley of Oswego, New York.

Significant Incidents

Gale Damage (Early 1800s): Sustained damage to its cargo of timber, resulting in a reported loss of $1,820.

Final Wrecking (October 20, 1840):

• Stranded in Conneaut, Ohio, during a storm on Lake Erie.
• Wrecked in shallow water, making it a target for salvage over the years.

Final Disposition

The wreck is located in shallow water (8 feet / 2 meters) and is heavily overgrown with weeds, creating a challenging but visually rich dive site. Centerboards from the schooner can be found onshore at Long Point, while its anchor is displayed in Port Rowan, Ontario. Other artifacts, including bottles, a stove lid, railroad tongs, and padlocks, have been salvaged over time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site has become a habitat for large bass and other aquatic life, particularly in the weedy summer months. Expect reduced visibility due to the dense weedy growth, especially in the summer. The wreck’s shallow depth allows for extended dive times and makes it accessible to snorkelers. Navigate carefully to avoid becoming entangled in the weeds.

Resources & Links

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The Ontario remains a significant historical site, illustrating the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and providing a unique diving experience.