IIdentification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: D. Andrews (later renamed Delaware)
  • Vessel Type: Schooner (later converted to Barge)
  • Year Built: 1872
  • Builder: John Tait, South Bay, Ontario
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 105 feet (32 meters)
    • Beam: 22 feet (6.7 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 176 tons
  • Final Location: Cardinal, Ontario
  • Final Disposition: Deliberately scuttled in 1906.

Vessel Type Description

The D. Andrews, later known as the Delaware, was originally a two-masted wooden Schooner, built for carrying bulk cargo such as grain. Constructed to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes, the vessel was later converted into a Barge, reflecting the evolving demands of the shipping industry. Her durable design and adaptability highlight the engineering ingenuity of 19th-century shipbuilding.

History

Construction and Early Service

The D. Andrews was launched on July 19, 1872, built by John Tait in South Bay, Ontario. Initially valued at $9,000, the vessel was classified as Class A 2, denoting superior construction. Backed by the Napanee business partners Andrews & Downey, the Schooner quickly became a key player in transporting grain and other goods across the Great Lakes. With a capacity to carry 12,000 bushels of grain, it was integral to regional commerce.

Notable Incidents

  • November 4, 1875: The vessel ran ashore at Mill Point in the Bay of Quinte. Tugboats were dispatched to recover the stranded Schooner.
  • April 1877: A fire incident in Napanee caused minor damage, but the ship was promptly repaired.
  • 1880 Storm: The D. Andrews was wrecked near Four Mile Point east of Oswego, New York. Though the crew survived, the ship sustained major damage. It was raised and Rebuilt, marking a significant turning point in its operational life.

Conversion to Barge and Renaming

In 1884, after substantial repairs, the vessel was re-rigged and converted into a Barge. Renamed Delaware, she resumed service under new ownership in Oswego, New York. The vessel was classified as Class A 2½, reflecting its downgraded status post-reconstruction, and valued at $5,000. Ownership shifted several times during this period:

  • 1886: Owned by Downer in Belleville, Ontario.
  • 1905: Acquired by A. W. Hepburn of Picton, Ontario.

Final Years and Sinking

By 1906, after decades of service and numerous restorations, the Delaware was deemed obsolete. The vessel was purposely sunk in Lake Ontario, marking the end of her storied career. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and further exploration may be needed to document her final resting place.

Legacy

The D. Andrews/Delaware epitomizes the resilience of Great Lakes schooners during the 19th century. Despite storms, fires, and multiple rebuilds, the vessel served the region’s maritime industry for over three decades. Her transition from Schooner to Barge reflects the adaptability required to meet the changing demands of commerce and transportation.

The deliberate scuttling of the Delaware underscores the economic realities of the time, as older wooden vessels were phased out to make way for newer, more efficient ships. Today, the D. Andrews/Delaware remains a symbol of the Great Lakes’ vibrant shipping history.

Resources & Links

Keywords

D. Andrews, Delaware, Schooner, Barge, Lake Ontario, Great Lakes Shipwreck, 19th Century Shipping, Maritime History, John Tait, South Bay Shipbuilding, Grain Transport, Scuttled Ships.

Conclusion: The D. Andrews/Delaware played a vital role in the economic development of the Great Lakes. Her long service and eventual demise encapsulate the challenges and evolution of shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The search for her final resting place may yet yield new insights into this remarkable vessel’s history.