Identification & Site Information:
- Name: Troy
- Former Names: None known
- Registration Number(s): Not available
- Date Built and Launched: Early 1820s
- Measurements: Not specified
- Date Lost: November 23, 1825
Vessel Type
The Troy was a sailing canal boat, a unique vessel designed to navigate both the open waters of Lake Champlain and the confined channels of the New York State canal system.
Description
Constructed in the early 1820s, the Troy was an early example of a sailing canal boat, a hybrid vessel type that combined features suitable for sailing on open waters and for being towed through canals. These vessels were characterized by their ability to lower masts and raise centerboards to adapt to varying navigational conditions. The Troy was employed in transporting bulk cargo, such as iron ore, between ports on Lake Champlain and destinations accessible via the canal network.
History
On November 23, 1825, the Troy, under the command of 25-year-old Captain Jacob Halstead, departed for Westport, New York, carrying approximately 90 tons of iron ore intended for processing at the newly established Westport iron furnace. The crew included Captain Halstead’s 13-year-old brother George, his half-brother Jacob Pardee, and two crewmen, Daniel Cannon and John Williams. As the vessel sailed, it encountered a severe gale. The heavy cargo likely shifted due to the rough conditions, causing the boat to founder and sink within minutes. Tragically, all five crew members were lost.
Final Disposition
The Troy sank in deep waters off Westport, New York, in November 1825. The wreck remained undiscovered until 1999, when researchers located it resting upright on the lakebed, with the bow embedded in the sediment and the Stern elevated approximately 30 feet above the bottom.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck of the Troy was discovered in 1999 by researchers from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum during a sonar survey. The vessel’s unique position and remarkable state of preservation provided valuable insights into early 19th-century shipbuilding and the design of sailing canal boats.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No specific navigational obstructions or advisories related to the Troy are noted in current records. The wreck lies in deep water and does not pose a hazard to navigation.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The sinking of the Troy in 1825 stands as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by early mariners on Lake Champlain. The loss of the young crew had a profound impact on the communities of Westport, New York, and Basin Harbor, Vermont. The discovery of the wreck in 1999 has provided valuable historical and archaeological insights into the design and operation of early sailing canal boats.
Suggested Keywords and Categories
- Lake Champlain Shipwrecks
- Sailing Canal Boats
- Troy Shipwreck 1825
- Maritime Archaeology
- Westport NY Maritime History
Glossary Terms
- Sailing Canal Boat: A hybrid vessel designed for both sailing on open waters and being towed through canal systems, featuring adaptable masts and centerboards.
- Foundered: A term used to describe a vessel filling with water and sinking due to structural failure or shifting cargo.
- Iron Ore: A type of cargo commonly transported by vessels like the Troy, used in the production of iron and steel.
3D Model