Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Amity (also known as Almighty, Amily)

• Type: Sidewheel Propeller (Pollywog)

• Built: 1856 by Allen Coutts in Chatham, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 102 feet (31.1 meters)

• Width (Beam): 26 feet (7.9 meters)

• Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

• Propulsion: Single high-pressure cylinder engine with sidewheel propulsion

• Last Known Location: Near Long Point, Ontario (specific coordinates not available)

• Status: Not specified

Vessel Type Description:

The Amity was a wooden sidewheel propeller ship, colloquially called a “pollywog” due to its distinctive design. These vessels, equipped with side-mounted paddle wheels, were pivotal to mid-19th-century Great Lakes commerce. The Amity primarily transported passengers and cargo along key trade routes. Its sidewheel propulsion system provided efficient navigation across the challenging and unpredictable waters of Lake Erie.

History:

Launched on July 12, 1856, the Amity was originally owned by G. Thomas & A. McKellar. In 1860, ownership transferred to Messrs. Eberts of Chatham. The vessel played a crucial role in connecting Montreal and Chatham, supporting regional trade and commerce.

By October 1864, the Amity had been in service for nearly a decade and was transporting staves to Windsor, Ontario. During this voyage, the vessel encountered a fierce storm on Lake Erie. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the Amity was driven off course and stranded near Long Point, Ontario. The relentless storm ultimately destroyed the vessel. Fortunately, all lives aboard were saved, but the Amity was lost to the lake.

Final Disposition:

The Amity was shattered by a storm near Long Point, Ontario, in 1864, bringing an abrupt end to its service. The wreck’s exact condition and location remain undocumented, leaving its story partially incomplete.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the Amity.

• Advisories: The wreck’s proximity to Long Point, Ontario, could make it a subject of interest for divers and historians, though detailed exploration records are lacking.

Located By & Date:

The wreck’s discovery details are not documented. The site is presumed to be near Long Point, Ontario, based on historical accounts of the sinking.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is likely significantly deteriorated due to its age and environmental exposure. Accessibility for diving or further research is not well-documented, making the wreck a potential candidate for future exploration.

Resources & Links:

1. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive archive of historical Great Lakes shipwrecks.

2. Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing: A repository for shipwreck and maritime history.

3. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

4. Great Lakes Ships Database: Archival information on Great Lakes vessels.

Conclusion:

The Amity stands as a testament to the resilience of mid-19th-century maritime commerce and the risks faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes. Its destruction near Long Point in 1864 underscores the relentless power of nature and the inherent challenges of operating in these waters. Though the wreck remains largely unexplored, the story of the Amity captivates historians and maritime enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the era’s perilous yet vital trade networks.

Keywords:

• Amity

• Almighty

• Lake Erie Shipwreck

• Pollywog

• Sidewheel Propeller

• Long Point, Ontario

• Great Lakes Maritime History

Glossary:

• Pollywog: A colloquial term for a small Sidewheel Steamer with a distinctive Paddlewheel design.

• Staves: Narrow strips of wood used in barrel-making, a common cargo on 19th-century Great Lakes vessels.

• Sidewheel Propulsion: A method of propulsion using paddle wheels mounted on the sides of the vessel.