IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name Variants:

• J.N. Carter

• J.S. Carter

• Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner

• Location: Mississagi Strait, northwest of Manitoulin Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

• Reef Name: “Carter Rock” (named after the Schooner)

• Depth: Not specified (likely shallow, given the grounding location).

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

• Built: 1875

• Builder: W. Redmond, Picton, Ontario

• Specifications:

• Length: 112 feet

• Beam (Width): 25 feet

• Depth: 9 feet

• Gross/Net Tonnage: 187 tons

• Hull Material: Wood

• Original Owner: James N. Carter, Picton, Ontario

• Later Owner: N. Dyment, Barrie, Ontario

HISTORY & OPERATION

The J.N. Carter primarily served the grain and lumber trade on Lake Huron. Despite its robust construction and active service, the Schooner experienced multiple incidents during its career.

Notable Incidents:

1. September 1880:

• Collision: Struck by the government Steamer R.B. Hayes near Amherstburg on the Detroit River.

• Damage: Suffered significant structural harm but was repaired and returned to service.

2. September 1883:

• Stranding: Ran aground 2 miles south of Kincardine Pier, Ontario.

• Recovery: Freed the following summer with assistance from the Tugboat Bob Hackett.

3. Final Grounding – September 1894:

• Location: Mississagi Strait, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.

• Cause: Ran aground on a reef (later named Carter Rock).

• Outcome:

• Unable to be freed, the Schooner was Abandoned.

• Declared a Total Loss.

SIGNIFICANCE

The J.N. Carter’s wreck and the naming of Carter Rock underscore the challenges of navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. It serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by mariners during the era when schooners were a primary means of transporting goods.

The vessel’s multiple accidents also highlight the perils of operating in heavily trafficked and unpredictable waterways like the Detroit River and Georgian Bay. Its ultimate demise near Manitoulin Island adds to the rich maritime history of the region.

DIVE INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE)

• Accessibility:

• The wreck is likely located near Carter Rock, in shallow waters.

• Divers may find remnants of the Schooner’s wooden structure or artifacts associated with its cargo.

• Visibility: Typically fair in the Georgian Bay area, depending on weather and sediment conditions.

• Safety Note: Strong currents and rocky terrain around reefs like Carter Rock require caution.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive database of vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical shipwreck records.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of historical and archival information.

CONCLUSION

The J.N. Carter’s story is emblematic of the risks faced by schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite its challenges and ultimate loss, its service in the grain and lumber trade contributed to the economic vitality of the region. The naming of Carter Rockensures the legacy of the J.N. Carter lives on as a navigational landmark and a symbol of the rich maritime heritage of Lake Huron.

Would you like assistance locating historical records or further exploring the wreck’s potential site?