Early bay of Quinte Trenton Ontario Shawn Michaels | Trenton ontario ...

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

The C. Gearing was a two-masted wooden Schooner, a vessel type prevalent on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These schooners were essential for transporting various cargoes across the lakes, contributing significantly to regional commerce.

Description

Built in 1869 by Tate in Milford, Ontario, the C. Gearing measured 90 feet in length with a beam of 20 feet and a depth of 8 feet, registering at 112 tons. She was renowned for her speed, reportedly achieving average speeds over 11 mph on Lake Ontario, making her one of the fastest schooners of her time. Her swift voyages, such as traveling from Oswego to South Bay in just four hours, underscored her reputation as a speedy and efficient vessel .(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, navalmarinearchive.com)

History

Throughout her service, the C. Gearing was actively engaged in transporting various cargoes, including barley, across Lake Ontario. In 1881, she commenced her season on April 2, delivering barley to Oswego, and concluded on December 2 with another barley shipment to the same destination. Her efficiency and speed made her a valuable asset in the grain trade, reportedly earning $6,000 in a single fall season when barley freights were high .(navalmarinearchive.com, navalmarinearchive.com)

However, her operational history was not without incident. On August 14, 1888, the C. Gearing ran ashore at Poplar Point at the entrance to South Bay. At the time, she was owned by D. Campbell of Wellington and captained by Bongard. She had departed Oswego with a load of plaster stone bound for Wellington. The cargo was insured, but it was unclear whether the vessel itself was covered .(navalmarinearchive.com, navalmarinearchive.com)

Final Disposition

On July 10, 1891, while moored at the Central Ontario Railway dock in Trenton, Ontario, the C. Gearing caught fire and was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire remains unspecified, but it was noted that the vessel had aged significantly by that time. Her remains reportedly still lie off Trenton, serving as a submerged relic of her storied past .(navalmarinearchive.com)

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the C. Gearing has been located or surveyed by maritime archaeologists or divers. The exact coordinates of the wreck remain unknown.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current navigational warnings or advisories related to the C. Gearing‘s wreck site. Given the lack of precise location data and the passage of time, the site does not pose a known hazard to navigation.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The C. Gearing exemplifies the vital role schooners played in the economic development of the Great Lakes region during the 19th century. Her remarkable speed and efficiency in transporting goods like barley underscore the importance of such vessels in regional trade. Despite her unfortunate demise due to fire in 1891, the C. Gearing‘s legacy endures as a testament to the maritime heritage of Lake Ontario.(navalmarinearchive.com)

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: C. Gearing, Schooner, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, 1891, Trenton, Ontario, maritime history
  • Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, 19th Century Shipwrecks
  • Glossary Terms:
    • Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, used extensively on the Great Lakes for cargo transport.
    • Barley Trade: The commercial exchange of barley, a cereal grain, which was a significant cargo on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.
    • Constructive Total Loss: A situation where the cost of repairing a damaged vessel exceeds its value, leading to it being declared a Total Loss for insurance purposes.