Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: N.C. WEST

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1867

•Builder: D. Donaldson, Fremont, Ohio

•Official Number: 18356

•Owner: M.A. Skinner (initially) and later West et al., Fremont, Ohio

•Hull Material: Wood

•Masts: Two

•Dimensions:

•Length: 31.6 meters (103.6 feet)

•Beam: 7.8 meters (25.5 feet)

•Depth: 2.3 meters (7.4 feet)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 145.23 tons

•Net: 137 tons

•Final Location: Southeast bend of the St. Clair River, Michigan

•Date of Sinking: November 9, 1898

Vessel Type Description

The N.C. WEST was a wooden-hulled, two-masted Schooner designed primarily for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Schooners of this type were vital to 19th-century commerce, carrying goods such as lumber, coal, and grain. Its dimensions and Gross Tonnage made it a midsize Schooner, capable of operating efficiently on the region’s waterways.

History

Construction and Early Years

Built in 1867 by D. Donaldson in Fremont, Ohio, the N.C. WEST entered service under the ownership of M.A. Skinner. It was part of a fleet of schooners that supported the economic boom of the Great Lakes region, transporting vital materials between ports.

Notable Incidents

•1874: The vessel stranded at Long Point, Ontario, due to poor Visibility while en route from Buffalo, New York, to Cleveland, Ohio. The Schooner was repaired and returned to service.

•1876: Ownership transferred to West et al., Fremont, Ohio.

•1878: Repairs were conducted to extend its operational life.

•1898: In its final year, the vessel was towed by the Steamer WALLULA, reflecting its reduced independent operational capacity.

Sinking

On November 9, 1898, the N.C. WEST collided with the Steamer SACRAMENTO at the southeast bend of the St. Clair River. The collision caused the Schooner to sink. While no information is provided on casualties, such incidents often involved the loss of cargo and significant damage to vessels.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the N.C. WEST remained in the St. Clair River until it was removed in 1941. Its removal suggests it posed a hazard to navigation in the busy waterway.

Condition and Current Status

As the wreck was entirely removed in 1941, no remnants are believed to remain at the original site. The Schooner’s story now exists through historical records and maritime archives.

Significance

The N.C. WEST exemplifies the era of wooden schooners that were essential to the development of Great Lakes commerce. Its sinking and eventual removal reflect the challenges of navigating the region’s busy and often hazardous waterways. The vessel’s history of repairs and ownership changes demonstrates the economic and operational demands placed on schooners of its kind.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Vessel Records

2.U.S. Coast Guard Archives: Historical records on Great Lakes shipwrecks and navigational hazards.

Keywords

N.C. WEST, Wooden Schooner, St. Clair River Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Shipping, Collision with SACRAMENTO, Long Point Stranding, Great Lakes Navigation Hazards.

Analysis

The story of the N.C. WEST is a microcosm of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, marked by resilience, risk, and eventual obsolescence. The vessel’s collision in the St. Clair River reflects the congested and perilous conditions of heavily trafficked waterways during that era. Its removal in 1941 underscores the importance of maintaining navigational safety in critical shipping lanes. Today, the Schooner stands as a historical testament to the vital role of wooden ships in regional trade and transportation.