Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: METEOR
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Builder: S. Little, Wilson, New York
  • Year Built: 1856
  • Official Number: C33569 (under Canadian registration)
  • Tonnage: 61 tons
  • Length: Not documented
  • Beam: Not documented
  • Depth: Not documented
  • Final Location: Approximately 4 miles off Oswego, Lake Ontario
  • Coordinates: Not provided
  • Depth of Wreck: Unknown

Vessel Type Description

The METEOR was a two-masted wooden Schooner, designed for carrying bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Built in 1856, it exemplified the durable and versatile construction of mid-19th-century schooners, which played a vital role in the burgeoning Great Lakes trade network. With a modest tonnage of 61, the METEOR was suited for transporting commodities like wheat, lumber, and other goods between ports.

History

Early Service and Ownership

The METEOR was constructed by S. Little in Wilson, New York, and initially served under his ownership. It carried various cargoes across Lake Ontario, a key waterway for commerce during the mid-19th century. The Schooner saw multiple changes in ownership, moving from American to Canadian registration in 1862 when sold to a Canadian owner. Over its operational lifetime, it was owned by individuals and firms including D. Parmentier, McNelly & Hicks, and Hunt & Co.

Notable Incidents

  • Cargo Damage (1860): The METEOR suffered wheat cargo damage, an early challenge in its career.
  • Collision with KATE HINCHMAN (1866): A significant incident occurred when the METEOR collided with another Schooner off Oswego. Despite the collision, the METEOR remained operational.

Final Voyage and Loss

On April 12, 1874, the METEOR embarked on a voyage from Oakville, Ontario, bound for Ogdensburg, New York, with a cargo of 2,500 bushels of wheat. Caught in a severe storm near Oswego, the vessel Foundered and sank approximately four miles offshore. The crew managed to escape and were rescued by the Steamer MILWAUKEE. The Total Loss of the METEOR was estimated at $2,200.

Legal Aftermath

The sinking of the METEOR became the focus of a legal dispute in the case of “Brown v. The British American Assurance Company.” The owner, F.J. Brown, had canceled an insurance policy and attempted to insure the Schooner with a different company. Unbeknownst to him, the vessel had already sunk. The court ruled in Brown’s favor, stating that the cancellation was invalid as the insurer knew of the vessel’s loss before Brown. Brown was awarded $1,940 in damages from a $2,000 policy.

Final Disposition

The METEOR sank in 1874, marking the end of its service. The exact wreck location remains undetermined, and the depth is unknown. The vessel’s sinking was listed in the maritime casualty records for that year, leaving behind a tale of resilience, trade, and tragedy.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the METEOR has not been located, and no diving or exploration efforts have been documented. Given the age of the wreck and its wooden construction, it is presumed to be in a state of significant deterioration, if any remnants remain.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The METEOR, a Schooner constructed for trade on the Great Lakes, had a robust career marked by challenges and resilience before its ultimate loss in 1874. Its story, culminating in a dramatic legal case, highlights the hazards of 19th-century maritime commerce and the legal complexities surrounding shipwrecks. The METEOR remains a significant part of Lake Ontario’s maritime history.

Keywords

METEOR, Schooner, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Lake Ontario, Oswego, 19th-Century Maritime History, Cargo Transport, Wheat Trade, Maritime Casualties.