Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Annandale
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Launch Date: 1868
• Place of Build: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• Owner: Initially George Irving of Burlington, Ontario
• Canada Number: 72572
• Gross Tonnage: 180 tons
• Dimensions: Length: 111.8 feet (34.1 metres; reduced to 110 feet post-1878) Beam: 24.9 feet (7.6 metres; reduced to 24 feet post-1878) Depth: 9.1 feet (2.8 metres) Net Tonnage: 181 tons (post-1878)
• Final Wreck Location: Charity Shoal, near Sacket’s Harbour, New York (Lake Ontario)
• Date of Final Wreck: October 3, 1905

Vessel Type Description

The Annandale was a wooden Schooner, a versatile and essential vessel type for 19th-century Great Lakes trade. Schooners were known for their fore-and-aft rigging, speed, and maneuverability, making them suitable for transporting bulk cargo such as timber and grain. Launched in 1868, the Annandale served as a critical link in the economic supply chain, connecting communities across the Great Lakes.

History & Significance

Built in Kingston, Ontario, a major shipbuilding hub, the Annandale played a vital role in Great Lakes commerce for nearly 40 years. Initially owned by George Irving of Burlington, Ontario, the vessel’s ownership transitioned several times, reflecting its enduring value in regional trade.

Ownership Timeline:

• 1868: George Irving, Burlington, Ontario
• 1871: Owned by Peter Mowat and others, Ernestown, Ontario
• Post-1878: Solely owned by Peter Mowat after a major Rebuild The Schooner underwent significant repairs and a Rebuild in 1878, adjusting its dimensions slightly to enhance its utility and prolong its operational life.
• 1889 Wreck at Port Credit: The Annandale was wrecked near Port Credit, Ontario, but salvaged and Rebuilt to continue service. Collision and Repairs: Over its career, the Schooner sustained damages from collisions and rough weather, necessitating frequent repairs Despite these challenges, the Annandale remained a workhorse of the Great Lakes maritime trade until its tragic demise in 1905.

Final Disposition

On October 3, 1905, the Annandale was navigating Lake Ontario through thick fog when it encountered a violent storm near Charity Shoal. The Schooner was driven onto the rocky shoal and destroyed by the storm. Unlike its 1889 wreck near Port Credit, this incident proved fatal for the vessel. The Annandale was declared a Total Loss, marking the end of its storied service.

Located By & Date

• Located By: The wreck was documented shortly after the incident.
• Date of Discovery: October 3, 1905, following the wreck.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Charity Shoal is recognized as a navigational hazard. Although there are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the Annandale, mariners are advised to exercise caution in the area.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck’s condition is believed to be poor due to the harsh conditions of Charity Shoal and over a century of exposure. The location has not been thoroughly documented in modern times, and the precise state of the wreck remains unknown. It is likely that the wooden structure has deteriorated significantly, making it a challenging site for exploration.

Resources & Links

• Buffalo Evening News: October 6-7, 1905
• Detroit Free Press: September 12, 1871
• Marine Disasters on the Western Lakes (1869): Capt. J.W. Hall
• List of Vessels on the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada: December 31, 1902
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Shipwreck Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Listings
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical Ship Data
• Bowling Green State University Crew Records: Crew and Maritime History
• Wikipedia – Charity Shoal

Tags #Annandale Schooner, #Lake Ontario shipwreck, #Charity Shoal, #19th-century maritime history,# Kingston Ontario shipbuilding, #Great Lakes schooners, #Great Lakes shipwreck.

Conclusion

The Annandale was a resilient Schooner, shows the importance of wooden sailing vessels in 19th-century Great Lakes trade. Despite numerous challenges, including an earlier wreck and rebuilds, the Schooner contributed significantly to regional commerce. Its loss on Charity Shoal in 1905 underscores the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation. The Annandale’s legacy endures as a reminder of the bravery and determination of the mariners who sailed these vital waterways.