Vessel Identification

• Name: COLONEL BRACKETT

• Type: Schooner-Barge

• Year Built: 1869

• Builder: F.N. Jones, Tonawanda, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 115 feet (35.1 meters)

• Width (Beam): 25 feet (7.6 meters)

• Depth: 4 feet (1.2 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross Tonnage: 187 tons

• Net Tonnage: 177 tons

Primary Use and Ownership

The COLONEL BRACKETT was primarily used for transporting lumber and ice, commodities that were in high demand in the Great Lakes region. This vessel saw frequent use in both the lumber and ice trades, vital industries during the late 19th century.

• Purchase and Sale History:

The Schooner-Barge was purchased at a marshal’s sale on November 23, 1889, for $295. This low sale price indicates a financial decline in the vessel’s value, likely due to accumulated damages or prior financial difficulties. At the time of its loss, the COLONEL BRACKETT, along with its cargo, was estimated to be worth approximately $3,500.

Incident and Final Loss

On April 24, 1890, the COLONEL BRACKETT was en route to Port Huron, in tow of the Steamer RHODA STEWART. The vessel encountered a northeastern gale off Port Hope on Lake Huron and broke loose from its Towline during the storm. Left to navigate on its own, the Barge attempted to seek shelter in Harbor Beach.

• Grounding and Destruction:

Upon arrival at Harbor Beach, the COLONEL BRACKETT ran aground on the Breakwater and was ultimately destroyed by the storm. Despite the complete loss of the vessel, no casualties were reported among the crew, who managed to survive the incident.

Previous Incidents and Challenges

The COLONEL BRACKETT had a history marked by repeated financial and operational challenges:

• Sinking at Sand Beach: The vessel struck a pier at Sand Beach (now Harbor Beach, Michigan) and sank on an earlier occasion.

• Abandonment Near Port Hope: It had also run aground near Port Hope on another occasion, resulting in the vessel being temporarily Abandoned.

These incidents suggest that the COLONEL BRACKETT faced frequent difficulties, both operational and financial, leading to its repeated appearances in marshal’s sales.

Significance and Historical Context

The loss of the COLONEL BRACKETT is attributed to the severe weather conditions of the Great Lakes, especially the northeastern gale that struck on Lake Huron. This incident serves as a reminder of the hazards posed to vessels navigating the Great Lakes, where sudden and intense storms often created dangerous conditions for both wooden and iron-hulled vessels alike.

The Great Lakes were notoriously challenging for mariners, as these inland seas could produce storm systems as fierce as those on open oceans, frequently resulting in shipwrecks and substantial loss of property.

Conclusion

The COLONEL BRACKETT’s ultimate fate highlights the persistent challenges of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Despite surviving several earlier incidents, the vessel met its end due to the overwhelming forces of nature. The story of the COLONEL BRACKETT underscores the risk and unpredictability of life on the Great Lakes for both vessels and crews.