IDENTIFICATION & VESSEL INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: SARA POTTER
• Vessel Type: Schooner
• Location of Disappearance: Near Alexandria Bay, NY, close to Hart Island, St. Lawrence River
• Era of Operation: 19th century (exact construction date unknown)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Masts: 2 or 3
• Length: Approximately 80-120 feet
• Beam: 20-30 feet
• Draft: 10-15 feet
• Tonnage: Typically between 100-200 tons (assumed based on similar schooners)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The SARA POTTER was a typical Schooner of the 19th century, a workhorse of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Schooners like the SARA POTTER were crucial for the transportation of goods such as timber, grain, and other bulk commodities, as well as for passenger travel. They were characterized by their wooden hulls, multiple masts, and shallow drafts, making them versatile and capable of navigating the varied waters of the region.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The SARA POTTER operated during a time when the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River were bustling with maritime activity. Schooners were vital to the economy, facilitating trade and transportation across the region. The SARA POTTER was part of this critical infrastructure, contributing to the flow of goods and people across the waterways.

FINAL VOYAGE AND MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

The SARA POTTER embarked on its last voyage near Alexandria Bay, NY, in the vicinity of Hart Island, a location known for its navigational challenges. The Schooner disappeared under mysterious circumstances, with no definitive records of the exact date or the conditions leading to the tragedy. The disappearance likely occurred in the late 19th century or early 20th century.

THEORIES OF THE DISAPPEARANCE

Several theories have been proposed to explain the disappearance of the SARA POTTER:

1. Severe Weather: The region is notorious for sudden and violent storms that could easily overwhelm even experienced crews and sturdy vessels. A storm may have led to the Schooner capsizing or breaking apart.
2. Navigational Hazards: The waters around Hart Island are fraught with rocks, shoals, and submerged obstacles. A navigational error could have caused the SARA POTTER to strike one of these hazards and sink.
3. Structural Failure: Wooden schooners, especially those that had been in service for many years, were prone to structural weaknesses due to rot, wear, or previous damage. A catastrophic structural failure could have caused the vessel to sink rapidly.
4. Human Error: The possibility of human error, whether due to fatigue, inexperience, or other factors, cannot be ruled out as a contributing cause to the vessel’s loss.

SEARCH AND LEGACY

Despite searches and investigations, no definitive evidence or wreckage of the SARA POTTER has been found, leaving its fate one of the many maritime mysteries of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region. The disappearance of the SARA POTTER is preserved in historical accounts, continuing to intrigue maritime historians and enthusiasts.

SIGNIFICANCE IN MARITIME HISTORY

The SARA POTTER’s disappearance adds to the rich maritime lore of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The vessel’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated these waters, where even seasoned mariners and well-built ships were not immune to the perils of nature and the sea.

RESEARCH & DISCOVERY

• Local Historical Societies: Further research into local archives or maritime records might yield more details about the SARA POTTER.
• Dive Reports: Although no wreckage has been definitively identified, divers exploring the waters near Hart Island may someday uncover clues about the vessel’s final resting place.
• Alexandria Bay Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan: This plan may include references to historical maritime activities in the region and possibly mention the SARA POTTER.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Alexandria Bay Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan: A document detailing the historical and future development of the waterfront, which may provide additional context or references to the SARA POTTER.