Identification & Site Information

• Name: Cadet

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1845

• Builder: G.A. Thayer, Ashtabula, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 67 feet (20.4 m)

• Beam: 18 feet 8 inches (5.7 m)

• Depth: 6 feet 7 inches (2.0 m)

• Tonnage: 72.07 tons

• Masts: 2

• Owner: Moses Robash, Detroit, Michigan

• Final Voyage: August 16, 1862

• Cargo: Coal and petroleum

• Route: Erie, Pennsylvania, to Toronto, Ontario

• Fate: Lost with all six hands on Lake Erie between Port Stanley and Port Burwell.

Vessel Type Description

The Cadet was a two-masted wooden Schooner, built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Modestly sized with a tonnage of just over 72 tons, the Schooner was designed for carrying bulk goods such as coal and petroleum, which were essential commodities during the mid-19th century. Like many vessels of its time, the Cadet relied on wind power and was a vital part of the growing Great Lakes shipping industry.

History

Construction and Early Service

The Cadet was launched in 1845, built by G.A. Thayer in Ashtabula, Ohio. It served as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, frequently transporting essential goods between ports. Over its operational life, the Schooner saw ownership under Moses Robash, a prominent merchant based in Detroit, Michigan.

Previous Incidents

In November 1857, the Cadet suffered a significant collision with the Steamer Gore near Lexington, Michigan, on Lake Huron. The accident caused the Schooner to sink. However, the vessel was salvaged, repaired, and returned to service. This incident foreshadowed the risks and challenges faced by ships navigating the often treacherous Great Lakes waters.

Final Voyage and Sinking

On August 16, 1862, the Cadet embarked on what would be its last voyage, carrying coal and petroleum from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Toronto, Ontario. The Schooner encountered severe weather or possibly a collision while traversing Lake Erie between Port Stanley and Port Burwell.

The storm or collision proved catastrophic, and the vessel was lost along with its six crew members. The exact details of the sinking remain unclear due to the limited documentation available from that era.

In the aftermath:

• Debris, including remnants of the cargo and the wheelhouse gear, was discovered floating near Buffalo.

• Additional wreckage washed ashore at Port Colborne, confirming the vessel’s tragic fate.

The Cadet was uninsured at the time, compounding the financial loss for its owner.

Legacy

The sinking of the Cadet highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Its loss serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions faced by sailors and the unpredictable nature of these inland seas. While not widely known, the story of the Cadet reflects the broader narrative of maritime risk and resilience during this period.

Ambiguities in Historical Records

There is potential confusion with other vessels of similar names, such as the Convoy, leading to some ambiguity in the historical record. Reports of vessels lost in the same region and era may overlap, making definitive accounts of the Cadet’s sinking more challenging to discern.

Current Condition and Accessibility

The exact location of the Cadet’s wreck remains undocumented. Given the age of the sinking and the likely condition of any remnants, the wreck would be heavily deteriorated, possibly buried under sediment. Efforts to locate or explore the site would require advanced technology and historical research.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive information on Great Lakes vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed shipwreck database.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival resources on maritime history.

Conclusion

The loss of the Cadet in 1862 underscores the inherent dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. Its final voyage, marked by tragedy, serves as a somber chapter in the history of maritime trade. The Schooner’s story, including its earlier incidents and ultimate demise, reflects the resilience of the sailors and the ever-present risks faced on the Great Lakes.

Keywords

Cadet, Schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, Port Burwell, Port Stanley, Moses Robash, coal and petroleum cargo, 19th-century shipping disaster.