Schooner ABIGAIL

Identification & Site Information

• Name: ABIGAIL
• Official Number: 368
• Type: Schooner, Wood, 2-Mast
• Build Year: 1849
• Builder: T.L. Lyons
• Build Location: Black River, Ohio
• Specifications: Length: 99 ft (30.2 m) Beam: 23 ft (7 m)Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Tonnage: 178 tons

Vessel Type Description

The ABIGAIL was a two-masted wooden schooner designed for bulk cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Vessels of this type and size were commonly used for carrying lumber, grain, coal, and other commodities essential to the Midwest’s economic growth during the 19th century. The Schooner’s moderate size and shallow Draft allowed her to navigate both large open waters and smaller, shallow ports, making her versatile for the varied trading routes in the region.

History

The ABIGAIL had a long operational history spanning over four decades, serving primarily on Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and surrounding waters. Like many schooners of the period, she faced numerous challenges, from storm damage to eventual disappearance, a fate common to many Great Lakes vessels in the 19th century.

Chronological Highlights

• 1849: Construction & Early Service The ABIGAIL was built in 1849 by T.L. Lyons at Black River, Ohio. In her early years, she likely participated in the booming timber and grain trade, vital to the industrialization and urban development of cities along the Great Lakes.
• 1862: Major Repairs The Schooner underwent significant repairs in 1862, indicative of the heavy wear vessels endured from frequent voyages and exposure to harsh lake conditions.
• 1875: Storm Damage at Muskegon, Michigan In November 1875, the ABIGAIL went ashore during a storm near Muskegon, Michigan. Despite considerable damage, she was recovered and returned to service by the following summer, showcasing the resilience and value placed on these schooners. Source: Local newspaper archives
• 1892: Final Loss in Georgian Bay or North Channel The ABIGAIL was officially reported as “lost” in 1892 in either the main part of Georgian Bay or the North Channel of Lake Huron. Specific details regarding the circumstances of her loss are unavailable. The absence of her listing in the 1884 and 1892 Merchant Vessel Lists of the United States suggests she may have been lost before July 1, 1892.

Final Disposition

The exact details of the ABIGAIL’s loss remain unclear. It is recorded as “lost” in 1892, with no further documentation on the cause or exact location of the incident. Given the treacherous weather conditions typical of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, along with the Schooner’s age (over 40 years by 1892), it is likely that storm conditions or structural failure contributed to her sinking. The fate of her crew and cargo remains unknown.

Located By & Date Found

Located By: The wreck of the ABIGAIL has not been identified.

Date Found: No discovery recorded.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories

• NOTMARs: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) issued for this wreck.
• Advisories: Mariners and divers in the Georgian Bay and North Channel areas should be aware of potential submerged hazards, though this specific wreck is unconfirmed.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Comprehensive historical archives on Great Lakes vessels.
• Great Lakes Ships Database – Vessel information and shipwreck records.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File – Detailed accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library – Holds collections like those of C. Patrick Labadie, documenting maritime history in the region.

Conclusion

The Schooner ABIGAIL serves as a representative of the dynamic maritime history of the Great Lakes, particularly on Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Her long career, marked by storm damage and eventual disappearance, reflects the hazards faced by 19th-century schooners navigating the often unforgiving waters of the lakes. Despite limited records regarding her final moments, the ABIGAIL remains part of the rich tapestry of maritime commerce and shipwreck lore that continues to intrigue divers and historians alike.

Keywords ABIGAIL Schooner, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Georgian Bay Maritime History, North Channel Shipwrecks, Great Lakes Schooners, Muskegon Storm Damage, 19th-Century Shipwrecks, Black River Shipbuilding, T.L. Lyons Shipbuilder, Great Lakes Trade Routes.