Champlain II, archaeological site in Essex County, United States of America
Champlain II is a shipwreck in Lake Champlain in Essex County, New York, located near Westport. Originally built as the Oakes Ames in 1868, this paddle wheeler was later renamed Champlain II and used for passenger service before sinking in 1875 after striking a rock.
Built in 1868 in Burlington, Vermont, as the Oakes Ames, the vessel was designed to transport railroad cars across the lake. The ship was renamed Champlain II in 1874 and converted to passenger service before striking a rock and sinking in 1875.
The site is protected with restricted access to preserve the archaeological remains and prevent disturbance. Those interested in learning about the wreck can explore historical records and archival collections, as direct access to the submerged site is limited.
The wreck sank in 1875 under unusual circumstances when the pilot was under the influence of morphine, leading to a navigation error that caused the ship to strike a rock. The remains provide a rare window into 19th-century shipbuilding techniques and the dangers early lake travelers faced.
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