Identification & Site Information

• Name, Former Names: ABIGAIL.

• Type: Schooner, later designated as a Barge.

• Dimensions:

• Length: 100 feet (30.5 m).

• Construction: Wooden Hull with a scroll head and square Stern.

• Year Built: 1849.

• Builder: Black River, Ohio.

• Registry: First enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1849; official number US368.

• Gross Tonnage: 132.97 tons.

• Final Voyage:

• Date: Reported lost in 1892.

• Location: North Channel or Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.

• Depth: Unknown; remains missing.

• Final Disposition: Lost under unclear circumstances.

• Casualties: Unknown.

Vessel Type

Originally built as a Schooner, the ABIGAIL served as a versatile cargo carrier. In 1868, it was converted into a Barge, reflecting its adaptation to changing industry demands.

Description

The ABIGAIL was a classic wooden Schooner of the mid-19th century, characterized by its scroll head and square Stern. Its robust design allowed it to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. Over its operational years, the vessel underwent several repairs and ownership changes, underscoring its durability and utility.

History

The ABIGAIL began its service in 1849, initially transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Early in its career, it faced significant challenges, including:

• 1851-1852: Ran aground near Ashtabula, Ohio, during a gale while carrying Railroad Iron. Repairs allowed it to return to service.

• 1855: Dismasted in a Lake Michigan gale, requiring further repairs.

• 1862: Major repairs were completed, extending its operational life.

The Schooner was converted into a Barge in 1868, signaling a shift in its role and design. Subsequent owners utilized the ABIGAIL for cargo transportation, facing periodic setbacks:

• 1875: Ran ashore near Muskegon, Michigan, but was recovered and repaired.

By 1892, the vessel was reported lost in the North Channel or Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. Specific details of its final voyage remain unknown, including the cause of its loss, the cargo it carried, and the fate of its crew.

Final Disposition

The ABIGAIL is presumed to have sunk in 1892. Its exact location remains unknown, leaving it as one of the missing wrecks in the Great Lakes.

Legacy

The ABIGAIL’s enduring service and numerous recoveries from accidents reflect the resilience of Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century. While its ultimate fate is shrouded in mystery, the Schooner’s history showcases the challenges faced by maritime operators and the significance of such vessels in regional commerce.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The ABIGAIL is a poignant example of a hardworking Schooner that adapted to the evolving demands of maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Its eventual disappearance adds a layer of intrigue to its legacy, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of these inland seas and the enduring mysteries they hold.