THORNTON

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: THORNTON
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 24105
• Type at Loss: Schooner, wood
• Builder: Bidwell & Banta, Buffalo, New York
• Year Built: 1853 
• Registered Port: Cleveland, Ohio
• Gross Tonnage: 274 tons
• Hull Material: Wood
• Rigging: Likely a 2 or 3-masted Schooner, common for bulk freight during that era
• Date Lost: August 26, 1870
• Cause of Loss: Sprang a leak during a storm and Foundered
• Place of Loss: Approximately 15 miles southeast of False Detour Passage, near the foot of Cockburn Island, Lake Huron
• Waterbody: Lake Huron
• Cargo at Loss: Ore
• Loss of Life: None
• Ownership: Owned by Palmer & Pennington, Cleveland, Ohio
• Master at Time of Loss: Captain Lamphere

Vessel Type

The THORNTON was a wooden Schooner built for the bulk freight trade on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting heavy cargo such as iron ore, coal, grain, and lumber. Schooners like the THORNTON were the workhorses of Great Lakes commerce in the mid-19th century, known for their large cargo capacity, relatively shallow Draft, and efficiency under sail.

Constructed in 1853 by the reputable shipbuilding firm Bidwell & Banta of Buffalo, New York, the THORNTON was a solid, heavy-duty vessel designed to withstand the rigours of the often treacherous Great Lakes environment. Her Gross Tonnage of 274 tons suggests she was a medium-sized Schooner, capable of hauling substantial loads of ore and other bulk commodities.

Throughout her operational life, she underwent major repairs in 1862, likely to address wear and damage common to ships of her type and age. Despite these repairs, reports later indicated she was unseaworthy at the time of her loss, raising questions about her structural integrity in the final years of service.

History

The THORNTON served actively in the Great Lakes shipping trade for 17 years, primarily operating out of Cleveland, Ohio. During her career, she was involved in an 1860 collision on Lake Huron, which caused significant damage. While she was repaired and returned to service, this incident may have contributed to long-term structural issues.

Owned by Palmer & Pennington, prominent figures in Cleveland’s maritime trade, the THORNTON was a valuable asset in the transportation of iron ore—a critical commodity during America’s industrial expansion in the mid-19th century.

Final Voyage & Loss

On August 26, 1870, while carrying a load of iron ore, the THORNTON encountered heavy weather near False Detour Passage, a known navigational challenge between Drummond Island and Cockburn Island. During the storm, she sprang a leak, which quickly worsened despite the crew’s efforts to manage the flooding.

Realizing the Schooner was beyond saving, Captain Lamphere ordered the crew to abandon ship. They successfully launched the Yawl boat, from which they helplessly watched the THORNTON succumb to the storm. Witnesses reported that as the vessel filled with water, confined air within the Hull was released, causing her to break apart and sink rapidly.

Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the crew managed to reach safety, though the vessel and her cargo were a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

• Declared a Total Loss: 1870
• Cause of Loss: Structural failure in a storm leading to foundering
• Current Status: Likely scattered wreckage near the southeast of False Detour Passage, Lake Huron

The wreck of the THORNTON may still lie in the waters near Cockburn Island, though shifting sediments and ice over time may have significantly buried or dispersed the remains.

Located By & Date Found

• Status: Wreck not officially located or identified in modern records
• Approximate Location: 15 miles southeast of False Detour Passage, near Cockburn Island, Lake Huron
• Potential Dive Site: Challenging conditions with strong currents and limited Visibility

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Obstructions: None currently reported specifically related to this wreck
• Advisories: Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near False Detour Passage, a historically hazardous area

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database
• Library and Archives Canada
• David Swayze’s Shipwreck File
• NOAA Shipwreck Database
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD)

Conclusion

The story of the THORNTON is a reflection of the perils faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite undergoing major repairs and serving reliably for nearly two decades, the vessel’s aging structurecould not withstand the severe weather conditions of Lake Huron. The incident highlights the constant risks of maritime commerce, where even experienced crews and seemingly sturdy vessels were vulnerable to the unpredictable forces of nature.

While her wreck has yet to be discovered, the THORNTON remains a testament to the rugged maritime history of the Great Lakes, a region where the echoes of lost ships still linger beneath the waves.