IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Algerine (also known as Algerian)
• Vessel Type: Schooner
• Build Date: 1856
• Builder: Andrew Miller, Oswego, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 136 feet (41.5 meters) Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters) Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 300 tons (equivalent to 436 tons under the old measurement system)
• Final Location: Near Springfield, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie
• Date of Wreck: October 23, 1877

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Algerine was a wooden Schooner, typical of the mid-19th century, with a design focused on speed and maneuverability. It was built to transport heavy cargo such as iron ore across the Great Lakes, which were vital trade routes during the era. As one of the larger schooners operating at the time, the Algerine exemplified the craftsmanship and maritime technology of its period.

HISTORY

The Algerine was constructed in 1856 at Oswego, New York, and served the Great Lakes for over two decades. The vessel underwent numerous repairs and ownership changes, reflecting its longevity and utility. Owners included firms such as Smith & Post, Lyons & Finney, and Pelton of Cleveland, before being purchased by J. Scott of Oswego.

Notable Events:

1876 Repairs: The vessel underwent major repairs, ensuring it could continue operating despite its age.

Final Voyage: On October 23, 1877, the Algerine set sail from Ogdensburg, New York, bound for Detroit, Michigan, carrying a cargo of iron ore. A severe storm struck Lake Erie, driving the vessel ashore near Springfield, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles west of Erie.

Despite the violent storm, the crew escaped without injury, a testament to their skill and a stroke of luck. However, the Algerine was less fortunate. It broke apart soon after being driven ashore, marking the end of its service.

At the time of its wreck, the Algerine was uninsured, resulting in a total financial loss for its owners. The Schooner had been valued at $4,500.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Algerine wrecked on October 23, 1877, near Springfield, Pennsylvania, on Lake Erie’s southern shore. The Schooner broke apart shortly after grounding, and its remains were scattered along the beach. Salvage efforts were minimal due to the severity of the wreck, leaving little of the vessel recoverable.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Algerine wrecked during a storm in 1877. The site has not been extensively documented, and no significant remains are reported to exist, due to the scattering of debris and the passage of time.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the Algerine wreck site.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

CONCLUSION

The Algerine was a durable Schooner that served the Great Lakes for 22 years, facilitating critical cargo transport across one of North America’s busiest inland waterways. Its demise during a fierce storm in 1877 highlights the challenges faced by mariners of the era. Despite its loss, the legacy of the Algerine is preserved in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history, serving as a symbol of the economic and navigational significance of schooners during the 19th century.

KEYWORDS

Algerine Schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie maritime history, 19th-century Schooner, Oswego shipbuilding, iron ore transportation, Springfield Pennsylvania wreck.