Wreck Report: Garibaldi

Identification & Site Information:

•Name: Garibaldi

•Location: West Harbor, Port Hope, Ontario

•Buried under the coal dock in the Port Hope boneyard

•Status: Covered by landfilling during harbor improvements approximately 20 years ago.

•Nearby Wrecks:

•Two Brothers

•Additional unidentified vessels in the same area

Vessel Type and Description:

The Garibaldi was likely a Schooner or a small cargo vessel, commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting goods such as lumber, coal, grain, or building materials. Its name reflects the period’s trend of honoring prominent historical figures, possibly referencing Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian revolutionary.

History and Final Fate:

The Garibaldi ended up Abandoned in Port Hope’s west harbor, a known ship graveyard referred to as the Port Hope boneyard. Over time, the area accumulated wrecked and decommissioned vessels. As part of harbor improvements and coal dock expansions, the Garibaldi, along with other hulks such as the Two Brothers, was buried beneath fill material and construction debris.

The burial of the wreckage preserved the vessels but made further exploration and recovery inaccessible without significant excavation. This common practice at the time reflected the port’s efforts to modernize its waterfront and accommodate increasing industrial demands.

Notable Features and Preservation Status:

•Buried Hulks: Largely intact but covered beneath the west harbor coal dock.

•Potential Preservation: The wreck is protected from the elements due to its burial, which could offer opportunities for future archaeological exploration.

Historical Significance:

The Garibaldi serves as a representation of Port Hope’s rich maritime history during the 19th century. The west harbor, functioning as a boneyard, reflects the decline of wooden sailing vessels and the rapid industrial changes that rendered many of these ships obsolete.

These hulks provide valuable insights into ship construction, maritime trade, and abandonment practices on the Great Lakes. The Garibaldi, like its neighboring wreck Two Brothers, holds cultural and historical importance as a marker of Port Hope’s transformation.

Recommendations for Future Research:

1.Archival Research:

•Investigate Port Hope historical records and newspapers for information on the Garibaldi’s operational history, ownership, and final abandonment.

•Check ship registries and maritime trade logs for mentions of the vessel.

2.Non-Invasive Survey:

•Use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or other geophysical survey techniques to map the location and dimensions of the buried Hull.

3.Community Engagement:

•Develop historical plaques or educational programs at the coal dock area to raise public awareness of the wrecks beneath Port Hope’s west harbor.

Conclusion:

The Garibaldi, now buried in Port Hope’s west harbor, represents a poignant chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Alongside vessels like the Two Brothers, it remains a hidden artifact of the region’s shipbuilding and trade legacy. While currently inaccessible, future research and preservation efforts could help uncover more about this vessel’s story and its role in shaping Port Hope’s waterfront heritage.