Updated Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Wayne

•Vessel Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1875

•Purpose: Grain Transportation

•Place of Loss: Near Oswego Breakwater, Lake Ontario

•Date of Loss: December 6, 1877

•Final Cargo: Wheat (much of which was destroyed)

Vessel Type Description

The Wayne was a three-masted wooden Schooner constructed specifically for bulk cargo transport, such as grain, across the Great Lakes. Built for durability and capacity, the Schooner exemplified the hardworking vessels of the late 19th century that played a pivotal role in moving agricultural goods from inland ports to larger markets.

The Schooner’s three-masted design allowed it to carry large amounts of cargo while maintaining stability and maneuverability in the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. These vessels were crucial to the grain trade, enabling the economic growth of both Canadian and American port cities.

History

The Wayne began its service in 1875, tasked with transporting grain across the Great Lakes, one of the most important commodities of the time. The ship’s routes likely included major grain ports such as Chicago, Detroit, and Buffalo, ending in markets or storage facilities further east.

Despite its short operational life, the Schooner contributed significantly to the bustling maritime commerce of the era, connecting agricultural production centers with urban markets. However, the challenges of Great Lakes navigation, including sudden storms and treacherous shoals, ultimately sealed the vessel’s fate.

Final Disposition

•Incident:

On December 6, 1877, the Wayne was caught in a storm while navigating near the Oswego Breakwater on Lake Ontario. The storm drove the Schooner onto the rocks, where it was wrecked.

•Outcome:

The Wayne was declared a Total Loss, and much of its valuable cargo of wheat was destroyed in the incident. The wreck highlighted the inherent dangers of transporting goods by Schooner during the harsh winter months on the Great Lakes.

Located By & Current Condition

There are no modern records indicating that the wreck of the Wayne has been located or documented. Given the circumstances of its loss and its wooden construction, the remains may be scattered or deteriorated near the Oswego Breakwater.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•NOTMARs: No current Notices to Mariners are associated with the wreck of the Wayne, though the waters near Oswego are known for their navigational challenges.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

Archival insights into Schooner wrecks and Great Lakes grain transport.

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks:

Efforts to locate and preserve underwater heritage, including wooden Schooner wrecks.

•Historical Newspapers and Archives:

Reports from December 1877 may provide further details about the wreck of the Wayne.

Analysis

The story of the Wayne underscores the risks and challenges faced by schooners on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. The ship’s loss reflects the volatility of weather conditions and the constant threat posed by storms, especially during winter navigation. While it served its purpose as a grain carrier for only two years, its wreck serves as a reminder of the many vessels that succumbed to the elements in pursuit of economic progress.

Conclusion

The wreck of the Wayne, near the Oswego Breakwater, is a testament to the hard-working schooners that defined an era of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Though its remains may be lost to time, its story endures as part of the rich tapestry of the region’s maritime history, highlighting both the promise and peril of 19th-century shipping.

Keywords

Wayne, Wooden Schooner, Grain Transport, Lake Ontario, Oswego Breakwater, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Maritime History, 19th-Century Shipping.