Identification & Site Information:

•Vessel Name: Wide Awake

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1856

•Construction Location: Madison Dock, Ohio

•Owners: B.L. Spangler and others from Cleveland, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length: 130.9 feet (39.9 meters)

•Beam (Width): 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Depth: 10.1 feet (3.1 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 355 tons

•Final Location: Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

•Cargo: None at the time of its final incident

Vessel Type Description:

The Wide Awake was a wooden Schooner built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Its large dimensions and robust wooden Hull reflected the typical design of mid-19th century schooners, which were essential for carrying bulk goods like grain, timber, and coal across the Great Lakes. The Schooner’s size and capacity made it a valuable asset for commerce during its short operational life.

History:

•Construction and Early Ownership:

The Wide Awake was constructed in 1856 at Madison Dock, Ohio, and registered under the ownership of B.L. Spangler and associates from Cleveland, Ohio. It was designed for the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes, transporting goods between ports.

•First Incident:

On February 8, 1857, less than a year after its launch, the Wide Awake was washed from the Oswego River during a storm and sank near Port Ontario. The vessel was successfully recovered and towed back to the harbor.

•Final Disposition:

Just two days later, on February 10, 1857, the Schooner broke up, likely due to structural damage exacerbated by a storm. The final incident occurred in Oswego, New York, on Lake Ontario. The vessel had no cargo onboard at the time.

Final Disposition:

The Wide Awake was declared a Total Loss after breaking up in Oswego, New York. The harsh weather conditions on Lake Ontario contributed to the vessel’s demise, underscoring the dangers of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The remains of the Wide Awake have not been documented or confirmed at a specific wreck site. Its final resting place near Oswego is believed to have deteriorated or been scavenged over time. The exact status of the wreck, if any part survives, is unknown.

Resources & Links:

•Great Lakes Maritime Database: Research vessel records and incidents for similar cases.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository of historical narratives and shipwreck accounts.

Analysis:

The story of the Wide Awake reflects the perilous nature of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its short service life was marked by severe weather events, which were a constant threat to vessels of its time. The Schooner’s loss highlights the resilience required of sailors and the risks they faced in their efforts to support regional commerce.

Keywords:

Wide Awake Schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Oswego shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century schooners, Madison Dock, Great Lakes storms.

Conclusion:

The Wide Awake had a brief but eventful history, serving as an example of the challenges faced by wooden schooners on the Great Lakes. Its final breaking up near Oswego, New York, in 1857, underscores the hazards of navigation and weather that characterized maritime life during that era. While the Schooner is lost to history, its legacy contributes to the broader understanding of Great Lakes maritime heritage.