Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Alice

• Type: Schooner

• Build Date: Not specified

• Owner: Not specified

• Dimensions: Not specified

• Final Resting Place: Pultneyville, Lake Ontario

Early Incidents:

In January 1859, the Alice faced a severe squall off Long Point on Lake Ontario while transporting a cargo of staves. The storm caused the Schooner to capsize, resulting in a Total Loss of both the vessel and its cargo. The estimated property loss from this incident was $1,800—a significant amount for the era. The event was chronicled in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser on January 15, 1859.

Final Tragedy:

Fifteen years later, in September 1874, the Alice was wrecked near Pultneyville, Lake Ontario, marking the end of its service. The Schooner suffered a complete loss, with property damages valued at $4,500. This incident was recorded in the 1874 Casualty List, as reported by the Chicago Inter-Ocean on December 25, 1874.

Legacy and Significance:

The Alice’s repeated misfortunes underscore the perils of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Schooners like the Alice were vital to the regional economy, transporting essential goods such as lumber and staves. However, unpredictable weather and limited navigational technology often led to tragedy.

The loss of the Alice highlights the risks faced by its owners, crew, and the broader maritime community. These stories are essential to understanding the historical challenges of Great Lakes commerce and the development of safety technologies that have since improved maritime travel.

External Links & Resources:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Resource with records and historical accounts of the Alice and similar vessels.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion:

The Alice serves as a poignant example of the trials faced by Great Lakes schooners in the 19th century. Its history reminds us of the human and economic costs of maritime commerce and the importance of advancements in technology to mitigate these dangers.

Keywords:

• Schooner

• Lake Ontario

• 19th Century Maritime History

• Great Lakes Shipwrecks

Glossary:

• Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, fore-and-aft rigged.

• Staves: Narrow strips of wood used to form barrels or casks.

• Casualty List: A record of maritime accidents and losses during a specific year.