Identification & Site Information

• Name: Lydia Ann

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: Exact year unknown

• Owner: Captain A.M. Rogers

• Lost: December 17, 1867

• Final Location: Stony Point, Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Lydia Ann was a wooden Schooner, a type of sailing vessel that was a staple of 19th-century commerce on the Great Lakes. Known for their versatility, schooners like the Lydia Ann could efficiently transport large cargoes, such as coal, and were designed to handle the unpredictable conditions of the lakes. Their multiple masts allowed for maneuverability and speed, even in challenging winds.

History

The Lydia Ann began her ill-fated final season on April 1, 1867, departing Charlotte, New York, with a cargo of 136 tons of coal for Mr. C.A. Payne in Ogdensburg. Like many vessels of her time, she was vital to the regional economy, moving essential resources such as coal for heating and industry.

Early Challenges of 1867

On April 4, 1867, while battling a fierce gale on Lake Ontario, tragedy struck when Thomas Vance, the vessel’s mate, was lost overboard. Despite the crew’s desperate attempts to save him, the storm’s power rendered rescue impossible. The loss profoundly affected the crew, setting a somber tone for the remainder of the season.

Final Disaster

The Lydia Ann faced continued misfortunes throughout 1867, culminating in her ultimate loss on December 17, 1867. A powerful gale drove the Schooner aground at Stony Point, Lake Ontario, sinking the vessel along with her cargo of coal. The Schooner was a Total Loss, compounded by the fact that she was uninsured, leaving Captain A.M. Rogers with an immense personal and financial burden.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: December 17, 1867

• Cause: Ran aground during a gale

• Cargo Lost: 136 tons of coal

• Insurance: Not insured

• Outcome: Total Loss of vessel and cargo

Significance of the Site

The wreck of the Lydia Ann symbolizes the perilous nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. It reflects the bravery and determination of sailors who navigated these waters, as well as the profound risks they faced. The loss of Thomas Vance, alongside the vessel’s wreck, underscores the human cost of maritime trade during this era.

Future Exploration and Preservation

The exact location of the wreck near Stony Point is currently not well-documented, and no modern records confirm the presence of any remnants. Should the wreck site be identified, it could provide valuable insights into:

• 19th-Century Shipbuilding: The construction techniques used for wooden schooners.

• Cargo Evidence: Potential remnants of coal that might reveal trade practices.

• Navigation Challenges: Insights into the dangers of Lake Ontario’s weather and geography.

Preservation efforts should focus on documenting any artifacts and ensuring the site remains protected for historical research and education.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A detailed database of historical records and narratives related to shipwrecks.

• Oswego Historical Society: Potential additional archival materials on the Lydia Ann.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: A resource for preserving and exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Lydia Ann embodies the challenges and perils faced by 19th-century schooners on the Great Lakes. Her loss in 1867, alongside the tragic death of Thomas Vance, highlights the risks endured by those who worked the inland seas. While the wreck remains undocumented, it serves as a powerful story of resilience, tragedy, and the enduring legacy of Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords

• Lydia Ann

• Lake Ontario Shipwreck

• Schooner

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• 19th-Century Sailing Vessels

• Stony Point Disaster