IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Type of Wreck: Wooden Schooner

Location: Near Picton, Ontario, Lake Ontario

Coordinates: Exact coordinates not widely documented.

Dimensions: Specific dimensions are not detailed in available records.

Site Status: Submerged near Picton, Ontario.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Mary was a wooden Schooner, a workhorse of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. Designed for versatility and durability, schooners like the Mary transported essential goods such as lumber, coal, and grain across Lake Ontario and beyond. Their robust construction and ability to navigate the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes made them indispensable for regional trade and economic growth.

HISTORY

The Mary participated in the bustling commerce of Lake Ontario during the 19th century, facilitating trade between Canadian and American ports. Like many schooners of its time, the vessel was integral to the movement of goods that supported burgeoning towns and cities around the lake.

The Schooner met its fate near Picton, Ontario. While the specifics of the wreck—such as the date, cause, and circumstances—remain unclear, the tragedy reflects the harsh realities faced by sailors of the era. Navigating the Great Lakes was fraught with dangers, including sudden storms, treacherous shoals, and limited navigational aids. The wreck of the Mary joins the long list of shipwrecks that have come to rest on the lakebed, each contributing to the rich maritime history of the region.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Mary remains submerged in Lake Ontario near Picton. The condition of the wreck has not been extensively reported but stands as a historical artifact of the region’s maritime heritage. Its loss serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Mary wreck site. Mariners and divers should take general precautions when exploring or navigating near known shipwreck sites around Picton, Ontario.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Mary’s wreck has not been thoroughly documented, and specific details about its discovery or exploration are unavailable. Its location near Picton, Ontario, is noted in historical accounts, making it a point of interest for maritime historians and diving enthusiasts.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Extensive records of shipwrecks and maritime activity in the Great Lakes region.

•Picton and Prince Edward County Historical Societies: Local archives that may offer additional information about the Maryand other regional shipwrecks.

KEYWORDS

•Mary

•Wooden Schooner

•Lake Ontario Shipwreck

•Picton Ontario

•19th Century Shipwreck

•Canadian Maritime History

•Great Lakes Schooners

ANALYSIS

The Mary exemplifies the vital role of schooners in the economic and social development of the Great Lakes region during the 19th century. Its wreck near Picton underscores the perils faced by these vessels and their crews, navigating vast and unpredictable waters with limited technology. Though little is known about the Mary’s final voyage, its story contributes to the collective memory of maritime history on Lake Ontario, where each wreck represents a chapter in the ongoing saga of human endeavor and resilience on the Great Lakes.