Shipwreck Report: Schooner Alabama

Identification & Site Information

•Name: Alabama

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1834

•Builder: Sackett’s Harbor, New York

•Tonnage: 92 tons (gross)

•Official Number: Not listed

•Final Location: Fairport, Ohio, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Date of Wreck: October 17, 1843

Vessel Type Description

The Alabama was a wooden Schooner designed for transporting cargo on the Great Lakes. Built in 1834, it was typical of the vessels of the era, providing a vital link for shipping goods such as grain across the Great Lakes. With a modest Gross Tonnage of 92 tons, the Schooner was well-suited for regional trade but was vulnerable to the harsh weather conditions of Lake Erie.

History

The Alabama served as a hardworking cargo vessel on Lake Erie, completing numerous voyages during its operational life. On October 17, 1843, the Schooner was carrying 4,580 bushels of wheat when it encountered a severe storm.

Details of the Wreck

While attempting to enter Fairport, Ohio, the Alabama ran into the pier at the mouth of the Grand River. The storm, coupled with the vessel’s age and weakened structure, caused it to break apart rapidly. The wheat cargo was entirely lost, though all crew members managed to escape without injury.

Subsequent reports provide conflicting details about the Schooner’s fate:

•October 23, 1843: The Schooner was reported to have gone ashore at the mouth of the Grand River and was completely destroyed.

•November 13, 1843: Another account suggests that the Alabama was successfully refloated despite the storm’s severity. Whether this refers to the same incident or a separate event involving the Alabama remains unclear.

Final Disposition

The Alabama was declared a Total Loss after the October 17, 1843, wreck. Although reports indicate it might have been refloated, its condition likely rendered it unusable for further service.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the conflicting reports of the Alabama’s fate, the exact state and location of the wreck are uncertain. If any remnants exist, they are likely heavily degraded and buried in or near the pier at Fairport, Ohio, on Lake Erie.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

•Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Alabama.

•Advisory: The site, if located, would primarily be of historical interest.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Historical Newspapers: Casualty reports from 1843

Conclusion

The Schooner Alabama represents the resilience and vulnerability of early Great Lakes vessels. Built in 1834, it served its purpose in transporting cargo until its unfortunate wreck during a storm in 1843. Despite the Total Loss of its wheat cargo and extensive damage, no lives were lost, marking a small mercy amidst the destruction. The Alabama remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Erie, illustrating the perils faced by sailors and ships on the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#Alabama #Schooner #LakeErieShipwreck #FairportOhio #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipwrecks #19thCenturyVessels