History of the Baltic (or Baltin)

Identification & Site Information

•Original Name: Baltic (sometimes referred to as Baltin)

•Type: Wooden Two-Masted Brig

•Build Year: 1851

•Builder: Bear Creek (Wallaceburg), Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 94 feet (28.7 meters)

•Beam: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

•Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)

•Tonnage: 152 tons

•Owner: Thomas Walter, Port Dover, Ontario

•Final Loss: September 1855, near Port Stanley, Ontario, Lake Erie

•Condition: Destroyed after grounding on a reef

Vessel Description

The Baltic was a wooden Brig, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Built at Bear Creek (Wallaceburg), Ontario, the ship was robustly constructed to handle the demanding conditions of the lakes. Its design featured two masts and a Hull that emphasized cargo capacity and seaworthiness for both commercial and transport purposes.

Key Events in the Baltic’s History

Construction and Early Operations (1851)

The Baltic was constructed in 1851 at Wallaceburg, Ontario. Owned by Thomas Walter of Port Dover, the Brig was primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

Georgian Bay Wreck & Rebuild (1853)

In 1853, the Baltic encountered a significant mishap when it went ashore and wrecked in Georgian Bay. Despite the extensive damage, the vessel was salvaged and Rebuilt at its original construction site in Wallaceburg. The successful Rebuild reflected the value of the vessel to its owner and its importance to regional trade.

Capsize Incident (May 1852)

There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that the Baltic may have capsized with the loss of its entire crew off Waukegan, Illinois, in May 1852. However, no verified documentation links this incident conclusively to the Baltic.

Final Loss (September 1855)

The Baltic’s final voyage ended in September 1855 when the Brig encountered a severe storm near Port Stanley, Ontario, on Lake Erie. The vessel went aground on a reef and was destroyed. There was no cargo on board at the time, and reports do not indicate any loss of life.

The Baltic’s grounding and destruction highlight the constant risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could easily overwhelm even the most well-built vessels.

Later Mention (April 1868)

In April 1868, there were attempts to recover a vessel identified as the Baltic a few miles west of Pultneyville, New York, but it is unclear whether this refers to the same ship. Captain Simpson reportedly arranged for a steam Tug to pull the vessel ashore and transport it to Charlotte, but the efforts were unsuccessful.

Ownership

The Baltic was owned by Thomas Walter of Port Dover, Ontario, who likely used the vessel to support trade along the Great Lakes. The records are unclear on whether the ship was insured, which may have compounded the financial loss from its final wreck.

Final Disposition

The Baltic was declared a Total Loss after its destruction on a reef near Port Stanley in 1855. There were no efforts to salvage the wreck, and it was left to deteriorate in the waters of Lake Erie.

Analysis

The Baltic’s history encapsulates the challenges of maritime navigation during the mid-19th century, a time when vessels were increasingly relied upon for transporting goods across the vast Great Lakes system. Its incidents in Georgian Bay, potential capsizing near Waukegan, and eventual loss in Lake Erie reflect the constant risks faced by early sailors and the limited capabilities for salvage and repair during that period.

The Baltic’s dual role as a functional cargo carrier and a representative of its era highlights the critical role of brigs in regional commerce and the harsh realities of lake navigation.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of ship histories and incidents.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

•Great Lakes Ships: Historical accounts and vessel specifications.

Keywords: Baltic, Baltin, Brig, Lake Erie, Port Stanley, Georgian Bay wreck, 1855 shipwreck, Thomas Walter, Great Lakes maritime history, wooden vessel, Wallaceburg Ontario.