Identification & Site Information

• Name: Brandywine

• Type: Sloop

• Year Built: 1834

• Builder: Unknown

• Construction Location: Mt. Clemens, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 60 feet 6 inches (18.4 m)

• Beam: 18 feet 1 inch (5.5 m)

• Depth: 4 feet 11 inches (1.5 m)

• Tonnage: 46 45/95 tons

• Final Location: Wilson & Allison dock, Detroit River, Detroit, Michigan

• Date of Loss: March 2, 1859

Vessel Type Description

The Brandywine was a wooden sloop, a single-masted vessel commonly used for local trade and transport during the 19th century. Its small size and straightforward rigging made it well-suited for navigating rivers and nearshore waters. Built in 1834, this vessel served regional commerce needs and was primarily involved in transporting materials like limestone.

History

The Brandywine was constructed in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and launched in 1834. Over the years, the sloop played a role in the bustling local trade networks of the Detroit River, carrying goods such as stone and lime. By 1859, the vessel was owned by F. Allison, a partner in the Wilson & Allison firm, which operated docks in Detroit.

On March 2, 1859, the Brandywine faced its demise. While moored at the Wilson & Allison dock, the vessel was cut through by thick ice, which caused it to sink. At the time of the incident, the sloop was loaded with limestone. The loss was significant, amounting to an estimated $1,200—a considerable sum for the period. Unfortunately, the Brandywine was uninsured, intensifying the financial blow to its owners.

Despite the loss, Mr. Allison expressed intentions to salvage the vessel. Whether these efforts were successful is unclear, as no further records detail the vessel’s fate after the incident.

Final Disposition

The Brandywine sank at the Wilson & Allison dock in Detroit due to ice damage. Laden with limestone, the sloop was rendered a Total Loss. No records confirm whether the vessel was successfully raised or scrapped.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: The site of the sinking is not known to be a navigational hazard and is not subject to any active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs).

Located By & Date

The wreck site is presumed to be at the Wilson & Allison dock in Detroit. No modern exploration or documentation of the wreck has been reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Brandywine remains unknown, and the absence of modern exploration makes its accessibility unclear. Any remnants are likely buried or degraded due to the dynamic conditions of the Detroit River.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Brandywine exemplifies the challenges faced by smaller vessels in 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Its sinking in 1859 reflects the constant dangers posed by ice, a persistent hazard for winter operations on the Great Lakes. Despite its modest size and relatively obscure history, the sloop contributes to the broader narrative of regional maritime activity during the era.

Keywords

Brandywine, sloop, Detroit River, Detroit Michigan, Wilson & Allison dock, 19th-century maritime trade, Great Lakes shipwreck, limestone cargo, ice damage, maritime history.