Identification & Site Information

•Name: Eliza Quinlan

•Type: Schooner

•Built At: Port Hope, Ontario, Canada

•Construction Year: 1870

•Builder: Ault

•Hull: Wooden, constructed on the remains of another vessel, the Sarah (built in 1852, Kingston, Ontario, by George N. Ault)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 29.6 meters (97.3 feet)

•Beam (Width): 5.7 meters (18.8 feet)

•Depth: 2.7 meters (9 feet)

•Tonnage:

•Gross Tonnage: 131 tons

Vessel Type Description

The Eliza Quinlan was a wooden Schooner, a staple of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Known for its adaptability, this vessel was designed for transporting bulk goods like lumber, coal, or grain. Its unique construction atop the remains of the older Schooner Sarah reflects the resourceful practices of the time, where shipbuilders often repurposed parts of older vessels to save costs and materials.

History

The Eliza Quinlan was launched in 1870 from Port Hope, Ontario, and began its service transporting goods across the Great Lakes. The vessel had multiple owners over its operational life:

•1871: Owned by Quinlan of Port Hope, Ontario.

•1876: Ownership transferred to Brawnd and others.

•1878: Solely owned by William H. Brawnd.

•April 1881: Owned by Collier & Van Black of South Bay.

•1882: Returned to Brawnd and others, with Port Hope as its designated location.

These frequent ownership changes indicate the vessel’s consistent use and importance to regional commerce during its service life.

Final Disposition

The Eliza Quinlan met its end in 1882 when it was wrecked at Poplar Point. While the exact cause of the wreck is unknown, such incidents were common on the Great Lakes due to harsh weather, navigational challenges, and the strain of transporting heavy cargo. The loss of the Schooner would have been a significant setback for its owners and the maritime community of Port Hope.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Eliza Quinlan, as its wreck occurred in the 19th century, and the site remains undocumented.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Eliza Quinlan has not been located. Its resting place near Poplar Point remains unknown and is unmarked, adding to the many lost ships of the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Eliza Quinlan is likely in a state of advanced decay, given its wooden construction and the passage of time. Any remaining fragments would be buried under sediment or scattered, making the wreck difficult to locate or study. The site has not been formally explored.

Resources & Links

1.Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed records of ships like the Eliza Quinlan that sailed the Great Lakes.

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A valuable repository of historical data on schooners and other vessels.

Keywords

Eliza Quinlan, Schooner, Port Hope, Poplar Point, Lake Ontario, Shipwreck, William H. Brawnd, Great Lakes Maritime History, Sarah, 19th Century Shipping.

Analysis

The Eliza Quinlan is a fascinating example of 19th-century Great Lakes ingenuity and maritime commerce. Its construction atop the remains of the Sarah demonstrates the practicality and resourcefulness of shipbuilders of the era. Serving multiple owners, the vessel was a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry, contributing to the region’s economic development. The wreck at Poplar Point serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by sailors and vessels navigating these waters. Though its final resting place remains a mystery, the story of the Eliza Quinlan adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history on the Great Lakes.