Identification & Site Information

• Name: Brenton

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Official Number: 3202

• Year Built: 1882

• Builder: Unknown

• Construction Location: Gibraltar, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 71 feet (21.6 m)

• Beam: 20.5 feet (6.2 m)

• Depth: 4.3 feet (1.3 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 50.38 tons

• Net: 47.88 tons

• Final Location: Lake Huron (exact site unknown)

• Year of Loss: 1899

Vessel Type Description

The Brenton was a small wooden Schooner designed for use on the Great Lakes. Schooners of this size were often employed for carrying light cargoes and navigating the inland waterways of the region. Its modest dimensions and two-mast configuration made it a practical vessel for local commerce and transport.

History

Built in Gibraltar, Michigan, in 1882, the Brenton served as a versatile cargo vessel on the Great Lakes. Over its 17-year history, the Schooner encountered multiple challenges, including a notable incident in 1896 near Cleveland, Ohio.

On November 13, 1896, the Brenton succumbed to a severe northwest wind and snowstorm. After dropping anchor, the vessel drifted onto a Breakwater and began to break apart. The five-man crew was rescued with difficulty by lifesavers, a testament to the harsh conditions faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The Brenton was recovered after this incident, allowing it to return to service.

In 1899, the Brenton disappeared on Lake Huron under unknown circumstances. Neither the location of the wreck nor details of the cargo or crew are documented, leaving the fate of the vessel shrouded in mystery.

Final Disposition

The Brenton was lost in 1899 on Lake Huron. Its disappearance remains unexplained, and no specific records detail the events leading to its loss. Previous incidents, such as its 1896 wreck, highlight the perils of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Brenton. Its wreck location is unknown.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Brenton has not been located, and no modern documentation exists regarding its discovery.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Brenton is unknown. If the wreck remains, it may be buried beneath sediment or scattered due to the dynamic conditions of Lake Huron.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion

The Brenton represents the hardships faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. From its construction in 1882 to its final disappearance in 1899, the vessel’s history is a reminder of the risks inherent in Great Lakes shipping. While much about its loss remains a mystery, the Brenton’s story adds to the rich maritime heritage of the region.

Keywords

Brenton, Schooner, Gibraltar Michigan, Lake Huron shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, Cleveland wreck 1896, 19th-century shipwrecks, Great Lakes Navigation Hazards.