Identification & Site Information

•Name: Clipper

•Year Built: 1855

•Builder: Toronto, Ontario

•Owner: Cummings

•Master: Riley

•Tonnage: 20 tons

•Location of Loss: North shore near Darlington, Ontario

Vessel Type Description

•Type: Schooner

•Purpose: The Clipper was a small, agile Schooner designed for coastal trade. Its primary role involved the transportation of materials such as wood and stone along the shores of Lake Ontario. At 20 tons, the vessel was well-suited to the shallow, often challenging waters of the lake’s coastline, facilitating local commerce during the mid-19th century.

History

The Schooner Clipper was built in 1855 in Toronto, Ontario. Owned by Cummings and captained by Riley, it was included in the 1856 Globe list, a record of vessels actively engaged in regional trade. The Clipper primarily operated on Lake Ontario, contributing to the burgeoning coastal economy by transporting essential goods.

Despite its modest size, the Clipper was an important part of the Great Lakes’ extensive trade network, connecting communities and ensuring the movement of vital resources. Its documented service as a transport vessel highlights the critical role of small schooners in the economic development of the region during this period.

Final Disposition

On October 4, 1860, the Clipper was reported lost near the north shore of Lake Ontario, close to Darlington, Ontario. The incident, as recorded in the Kingston Chronicle & Gazette, resulted in the Total Loss of the vessel.

Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the specific details of the wreck remain unclear. It is presumed the vessel succumbed to adverse weather or navigational challenges, which were common causes of loss for small trading schooners of the time.

Historical researcher Lachlan MacRae has suggested a strong link between this Schooner and the one listed in the 1856 Globe list. However, the connection remains speculative due to the absence of definitive evidence.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

No specific NOTMARs have been identified related to the Clipper. Its wreck was not charted or marked, likely due to its small size and the lack of significant salvage interest at the time.

Located By & Date

•Discovery: There are no modern records of the discovery of the Clipper’s wreck.

•Date of Loss: October 4, 1860.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: Unknown. Without any reported discovery or recovery efforts, it is likely that any remnants of the Clipper have deteriorated due to natural forces over the decades.

•Accessibility: Not applicable, as no confirmed wreck site exists.

Resources & Links

•Kingston Chronicle & Gazette (October 4, 1860): Original reporting of the loss.

•1856 Globe List: Document listing active schooners in regional trade.

Analysis

The loss of the Clipper exemplifies the inherent risks faced by small schooners engaged in Great Lakes trade during the 19th century. While no lives were lost, the incident underscores the challenges of navigating the lake’s often treacherous waters. The connection to the Clipper listed in the 1856 Globe list adds historical intrigue, although definitive proof of this link remains elusive.

As with many such vessels, the Clipper’s loss also serves as a reminder of the vital yet vulnerable role these ships played in building the region’s economy and connecting its communities.

Keywords

Clipper Schooner, 1855, Darlington, Lake Ontario, Kingston Chronicle & Gazette, maritime history, coastal trade, shipwreck