Early Great Lakes Maritime Navigation: The Fleet of Alexander Grant

Key Vessels and Their Roles

• HOPE and FAITH: Schooners constructed at The River Rouge for merchandise transportation across the Great Lakes. These vessels served the burgeoning needs of trade and supply in the region.

• CHARITY: The largest ship in the fleet, built near Fort Niagara to navigate Lake Ontario, demonstrating the strategic focus on constructing vessels suited to specific lake conditions.

• ANGELICA: A sloop built at The River Rouge, showcasing Grant’s efforts to diversify the fleet with vessels of varying sizes and purposes.

• CHIPPEWA: A sloop used for general navigation and transport, tragically wrecked in November 1775 near Long Point during a gale.

• GENERAL GAGE: A 120-ton, 16-gun ship assigned to Lake Erie, blending commercial and military roles under British oversight.

• EARL OF DUNMORE: A 90-ton, 12-gun ship tasked with navigating Lake Huron, reflecting the Crown’s intent to secure its maritime interests across the lakes.

Alexander Grant’s Role

Alexander Grant, under the direction of General Gage, oversaw the construction, organization, and operation of the fleet on the Great Lakes. His responsibilities included managing vessels for both Crown and commercial purposes, a critical undertaking for the British during the 18th century as they sought to solidify their presence in North America.

The Wreck of the CHIPPEWA

• Date: November 1775

• Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie

• Circumstances: During a fierce gale, the CHIPPEWA was driven ashore and declared a Total Loss.

• Casualties: None, as the crew survived the incident.

Aftermath

• Salvage and Cargo Destruction: Captain Thomas Robinson, commander of the GENERAL GAGE, instructed the crew to salvage valuable items and destroy the remaining cargo to prevent it from being captured by enemy forces.

• Financial Loss: The incident resulted in significant losses for Adhemar St. Martin, estimated at over £400, underscoring the economic risks of Great Lakes navigation.

• Strategic Decisions: Lieutenant Colonel Caldwell’s order to destroy the cargo reflected the dual commercial and military pressures of the time.

Impact on Early Great Lakes Navigation

The loss of the CHIPPEWA highlighted:

1. The Hazards of Navigation: The unpredictable weather and limited navigational aids of the era made the Great Lakes a perilous environment for mariners.

2. Financial Vulnerability: Shipwrecks had profound economic impacts, not just on vessel owners but also on the broader trade networks reliant on their cargo.

3. Maritime Development: Despite losses, the efforts of leaders like Grant laid the groundwork for the expansion of maritime activity on the lakes, shaping the region’s economic and logistical future.

Legacy

The story of Alexander Grant’s fleet, including the wreck of the CHIPPEWA, represents an early chapter in the development of Great Lakes maritime history. The challenges faced by these vessels serve as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of those who navigated the waters during this formative period. The construction and deployment of these ships marked the beginning of a robust trade and transportation network that continues to define the Great Lakes region today.

External Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• HIS MAJESTY’S PROVINCIAL MARINE VESSELS IN ORDER OF THEIR BUILDING OR ACQUISITION.
• East Carolina University
• Great Lakes Ships