The E.S. ADAMS collided with the American Bark CONSTITUTION on a clear night near Point Pelee. The ADAMS was lost, and one life was claimed in the accident.

Identification & Site Information

• Name: E.S. Adams

• Vessel Type: Schooner (likely wooden construction)

• Incident Date: Not specified (likely 19th century based on vessel types and context)

• Location: Near Point Pelee, Lake Erie

• Condition: Lost due to collision

• Casualties: 1 life lost

Vessel Type Description

The E.S. Adams was likely a wooden Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These vessels were typically rigged with two or more masts and were designed for efficient cargo transport across the lakes. Schooners like the Adams were integral to regional commerce, carrying raw materials such as lumber, grain, and coal.

History

Incident Summary:

On a clear night, the E.S. Adams collided with the American Bark Constitution near Point Pelee, Lake Erie. Despite favorable weather and Visibility conditions, the collision proved catastrophic for the Adams. The vessel was lost, and tragically, one life was claimed in the incident.

The specifics of the collision, including contributing factors such as navigation errors or potential mechanical issues, are not detailed in the record. However, the incident underscores the dangers of operating on the Great Lakes, where even clear weather offered no guarantee of safety.

American Bark Constitution:

The Constitution survived the collision, though the extent of its damage is unknown. As a Bark, the Constitution was a larger, square-rigged vessel, typically used for carrying bulk cargo over long distances.

Final Disposition

The E.S. Adams was a Total Loss. The wreck likely sank in the vicinity of Point Pelee, a location known for its shallow waters and challenging navigation. The exact resting place of the Adams remains undocumented.

Legacy and Significance

The collision between the E.S. Adams and the Constitution is a somber reminder of the risks of maritime travel, even under seemingly favorable conditions. The loss of life adds a poignant note to the incident, emphasizing the peril faced by sailors navigating busy shipping routes on the Great Lakes.

The wreck of the E.S. Adams remains an important historical marker, representing the challenges and hazards of 19th-century lake commerce.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Records detailing Great Lakes shipwrecks and their circumstances.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archives and records of vessel operations and incidents.

• Local Archives: Searchable for additional context regarding the collision and its impact.

Keywords

E.S. Adams, Constitution, Point Pelee, Lake Erie Shipwreck, Great Lakes Collision, Maritime Tragedy, Schooner, Bark, 19th Century Shipping.

The story of the E.S. Adams stands as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by sailors and the ever-present potential for tragedy, even under clear skies, on the Great Lakes.