Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

The Anne Winslow was a two-masted Brig, a common sailing vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Brigs were often used for transporting bulk cargo such as timber, grain, or iron ore, and they were known for their square-rigged sails, which made them efficient for long-distance voyages across the lakes.

Description & History

The Anne Winslow was built in 1842 by George Washington Jones in Cleveland, Ohio. At 97 feet in length, the vessel was a mid-sized Brig, likely involved in cargo transport between major lake ports such as Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago.

Lake Huron, particularly the waters near Manitoulin Island, was known for its unpredictable storms and challenging navigation due to its many islands, reefs, and shoals. The area around Great Duck Island, where the Anne Winslow was lost, was a known hazard for mariners. Many vessels met their fate in this region due to sudden gales, shifting winds, and poor Visibility.

In 1852, the Anne Winslow was caught in a storm near Great Duck Island. The ship was reported as “lost,” but details about the circumstances remain scarce. It is unclear whether the crew survived or if any cargo was salvaged. The lack of detailed records suggests the vessel may have been Abandoned or left to deteriorate rather than undergoing major salvage efforts.

Final Disposition

The Anne Winslow was declared lost near Great Duck Island. Given the time period and location, it is likely that the remains of the ship were either broken apart by waves and ice or scattered along the lakebed. No known efforts to locate or recover the wreck have been recorded.

Located By & Date Found

No confirmed discovery of the wreck.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The area around Great Duck Island contains numerous submerged hazards, and wreckage from multiple 19th-century vessels may still be present in the vicinity.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Anne Winslow was a typical example of early Great Lakes brigs, playing a vital role in the shipping industry of the 19th century. Its loss near Great Duck Island remains largely undocumented, but it highlights the dangers of sailing on Lake Huron during that era. With no confirmed wreck site, the vessel’s fate remains a mystery.

Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Great Lakes shipwrecks, Brig, Manitoulin Island, Great Duck Island, 19th-century maritime history

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, 19th-century shipwrecks, wooden brigs, lost vessels

Glossary Terms: Brig, Manitoulin Island, Great Duck Island, Square-rigged