Shipwreck Report: Brigantine HENRY CLAY

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: HENRY CLAY
• Type: Brigantine
• Year Built: 1842
• Builder: Fairbanks Church, Huron, Ohio
• Material: Wooden Hull

Dimensions:

• Length: 87 feet
• Beam (Width): 24 feet
• Depth: 9 feet
• Gross Tonnage: 163 tons

Location of Wreck: Near Point Nipigon, Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron

Date of Wreck: December 3, 1850

Cargo: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The HENRY CLAY was a wooden Brigantine, a sailing vessel rigged with two masts. Designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, its construction reflected the robust shipbuilding techniques of the mid-19th century, intended to endure the dynamic and often hazardous conditions of the region. With a Gross Tonnage of 163, the vessel was well-suited for carrying substantial cargo while navigating the complex routes of Lake Huron and beyond.

History

The HENRY CLAY was launched in 1842, crafted at the Fairbanks Church Shipyards in Huron, Ohio. Its design and build quality quickly made it a valued vessel for trade and transportation across the Great Lakes. With its sails raised high, the HENRY CLAY became a reliable carrier of goods and a vital link in the maritime commerce of the time.

On December 3, 1850, the HENRY CLAY faced its greatest trial. Near Point Nipigon in the Straits of Mackinac, a powerful storm unleashed its fury on the Brigantine. The relentless winds and towering waves drove the vessel ashore on Bois Blanc Island, leaving it high and dry on the shore. Despite the catastrophic damage to the ship, all crew and passengers survived, rescued by the passing Steamer Troya.

The vessel was declared a Total Loss, its remains Abandoned on the rocky shore. The wreck became part of the lore of Lake Huron, a testament to the dangers of navigation in the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

• Cause of Loss: Driven ashore during a storm
• Final Location: Bois Blanc Island, Lake Huron
• Status: Declared a Total Loss; unsalvageable
• Crew/Passenger Survival: All lives were saved

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or specific advisories associated with the wreck of the HENRY CLAY. The location near Point Nipigon, once a significant hazard for navigation, has since been charted and marked for modern maritime traffic.

Located By & Date

The wreck was identified and documented shortly after the storm in 1850 due to its proximity to Bois Blanc Island. However, modern surveys have not confirmed the precise remnants of the Brigantine, as it likely deteriorated over time or was reclaimed by the lakebed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the HENRY CLAY is unknown, and it is presumed that the wooden structure has decayed significantly or has been entirely consumed by the environment. No modern diving surveys have documented the wreck, making it inaccessible for exploration.

Resources & Links

• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History
• •Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Shipwreck Museum
• •David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical records on the HENRY CLAY
• 3D Shipwrecks – Henry Clay

3d Model – Henry Clay

Conclusion

The Brigantine HENRY CLAY serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by vessels on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. Despite the catastrophic loss of the ship, the survival of all aboard attests to the bravery and camaraderie of sailors during such harrowing events. The wreck’s legacy endures as part of Lake Huron’s maritime history, a story of both resilience and loss in the face of nature’s unrelenting power.

Keywords

#HenryClay #LakeHuronShipwreck #GreatLakesHistory #BrigantineWreck #BoisBlancIsland #MaritimeTragedy #19thCenturyShipwrecks #GreatLakesStorms