Shipwreck Report: Amity (Other Names: ALMIGHTY, AMILY)

Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: Amity (Alternate Names: ALMIGHTY, AMILY)

•Official Number: Not Available

•Vessel Type: Wooden Sidewheel Propeller (Pollywog)

•Build Date: 1856

•Builder: Allen Coutts, Chatham, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 102 feet (31.1 meters)

•Width: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

•Propulsion: Single high-pressure cylinder engine with sidewheel propulsion

•Final Location: Near Long Point, Ontario, Lake Erie

•Last Known Coordinates: Not specified

•Final Status: Wrecked and destroyed by storm

Vessel Type Description

The Amity was a wooden sidewheel propeller vessel, affectionately termed a “pollywog” due to its side-mounted paddle wheels. These vessels were a common sight on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century, offering versatility for passenger and cargo transport. The Amity’s design, combining paddle propulsion with durable construction, made it a crucial link in the chain of commerce and trade along the Great Lakes’ busy waterways.

History

The Amity was launched on July 12, 1856, serving initially under the ownership of G. Thomas & A. McKellar. By 1860, ownership transferred to Messrs. Eberts of Chatham, expanding its role in connecting trade routes between Montreal and Chatham. The vessel operated primarily as a cargo Steamer, moving goods such as staves and other materials vital to regional industries.

Fateful Incident – October 1864

On a routine voyage to Windsor, Ontario, carrying a load of staves, the Amity encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. The unpredictable and often violent weather of the Great Lakes proved too much for the vessel. Despite the crew’s efforts to steer clear of danger, the storm drove the Amity off course and stranded it near Long Point, Ontario. The unrelenting waves battered the ship, breaking it apart and ultimately rendering it unsalvageable.

Fortunately, all aboard survived the ordeal, a testament to the crew’s skill and resolve amidst the chaos.

Final Disposition

The Amity was declared a Total Loss after being destroyed near Long Point. The wreck was left to the elements and has not been fully documented or explored. Its remains are likely scattered or submerged in the sedimentary depths of Lake Erie.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been issued for the site. Divers and historians should approach the presumed wreck area near Long Point with caution due to unknown conditions.

Located By & Date

The exact location and condition of the Amity’s wreck have not been formally documented. Historical records place the wreck near Long Point, where it succumbed to the 1864 storm.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck’s current state is unknown. It is likely to be in an advanced state of deterioration due to over 150 years of exposure to the elements. Exploration may be difficult due to the lack of precise coordinates or substantial remains.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the State of the Finances

Conclusion

The Amity’s history is emblematic of the challenges and risks of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. As a “pollywog” sidewheel propeller, it served its community faithfully until its untimely end in a violent Lake Erie storm in October 1864. Though its wreck remains undocumented and elusive, the story of the Amity serves as a reminder of the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and the perilous beauty of these vast inland seas.

Tags

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