Perseverance (1864)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: PERSEVERANCE
• Type: Wooden-hulled Propeller Freighter
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: Louis Shickluna
• Dimensions: 177 ft (54 m); Beam: 31 ft; Depth of hold: 12 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 632
• Location: Near Pultneyville, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Perseverance was a wooden-hulled propeller freighter built for the grain trade on Lake Ontario. It was part of the Welland Railway Line and played a key role in transporting agricultural goods, particularly grain, between Ontario and New York ports. The vessel featured two decks and was powered by a robust single-cylinder steam engine coupled with a single propeller. Its large cargo capacity of over 20,000 bushels of grain underscored its importance in regional commerce.

Description

The PERSEVERANCE primarily transported grain and other bulk goods, serving the bustling trade routes of Lake Ontario. Frequently voyaged between Saint Catharines, Ontario, and Oswego, New York, carrying goods essential to the region’s economy.

History

The PERSEVERANCE was engaged in the grain trade, transporting significant quantities of agricultural products across Lake Ontario. Its operational area was primarily between Saint Catharines, Ontario, and Oswego, New York.

Significant Incidents

• Date of Incident: October 6, 1868 Cargo: 20,147 bushels of corn Circumstances: While underway near Pultneyville, New York, the PERSEVERANCE caught fire. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the vessel. Despite efforts to save the ship and crew, the flames proved overwhelming.

Final Disposition

• Fatalities: 14 crew members, including Captain John FitzGibbons
• Survivors: 5 crew members rescued by the sister ship ENTERPRISE
• Damage: The vessel burned to the waterline and was declared a total loss.
• Cause: The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the PERSEVERANCE have not been officially located. Given that the vessel burned to the waterline, it is unlikely that substantial wreckage remains intact. The site, near Pultneyville, New York, is of historical interest for maritime archaeologists and historians.

Resources & Links

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The PERSEVERANCE serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by early freighters on the Great Lakes and the bravery of the sailors who navigated these perilous waters.