Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Nellie Brown

•Official Number: 18318

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1866

•Builder: Unknown, constructed in Port Ontario, NY

•Length: Not specified

•Beam: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

•Gross Tonnage: Not specified

•Owners: Leynes and George Hees

•Home Port: Oswego, NY

•Final Voyage: Late October or early November 1870

•Final Location: Stoney Island Passage, Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Nellie Brown was a wooden Schooner built for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Nellie Brown were integral to 19th-century trade on the lakes, known for their ability to carry significant cargo while navigating the often challenging wind conditions. The vessel was rigged with sails and relied on wind power, making it vulnerable to the severe storms that frequently occurred on the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1866 in Port Ontario, NY, the Nellie Brown was a medium-sized Schooner designed for efficient cargo transport. The vessel was primarily used to carry goods such as agricultural products and industrial commodities across Lake Ontario and other connected waterways.

The Nellie Brown regularly sailed out of Oswego, NY, connecting ports on the Great Lakes and playing a critical role in regional commerce.

Final Voyage and Tragedy

On October 25, 1870, the Nellie Brown departed Oswego, NY, under the command of Captain Reynolds, carrying 200 barrels of salt and 525 bushels of oats destined for Ogdensburg. Shortly after departing, the vessel encountered a fierce storm near Stoney Island, close to Sackets Harbour.

Amid the gale-force winds and rough seas, the Nellie Brown capsized. Despite efforts by Captain Reynolds and his crew, the vessel could not withstand the storm’s force. Both the Schooner and its cargo were lost.

News of the disaster was reported in the Kingston Daily News on October 31, 1870, detailing the vessel’s capsizing and the loss of its cargo. Captain Reynolds sent a distress signal requesting a Tugboat to assist with salvage operations, but the Schooner had already been completely wrecked by the time help arrived.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: Late October or early November 1870

•Cause of Loss: Capsized during a storm

•Wreck Location: Stoney Island Passage, Lake Ontario

•Condition of Wreck: Completely destroyed; anchors, chains, and rigging were stripped.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no specific NOTMARs related to the Nellie Brown wreck. Mariners should exercise general caution when navigating near Stoney Island Passage, as it is an area known for hazardous weather and historical shipwrecks.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Nellie Brown was found shortly after the incident in Stoney Island Passage, but detailed exploration or recovery efforts were limited due to the Schooner’s poor condition and the extent of the damage.

Resources & Links

1.David Swayze Shipwreck File – Contains detailed records of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the Nellie Brown.

2.Great Lakes Ships Database – Provides historical accounts and specifications for vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

3.Kingston Daily News (October 31, 1870) – Contemporary reporting on the capsizing and its aftermath.

Conclusion

The Nellie Brown represents a tragic chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Built for durability and commerce, the Schooner succumbed to the unforgiving forces of Lake Ontario in 1870, leaving behind a legacy of loss and resilience. Its story serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers faced by mariners and vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Tags

#NellieBrown #Schooner #LakeOntario #Shipwreck #StoneyIsland #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShips #StormLoss