Identification & Site Information

• Name: Young American
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: None
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden, two-masted Schooner
• Builder: George Rogers, Oswego, New York
• Year Built & Launched: 1854
• Specifications: Length: 124 ft (37.8 m) Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m) Depth: 10 ft (3 m)
• Tonnage: 331 tons Tonnage (Old Style)
• Date Lost: September 23, 1855
• Location of Loss: Northeast of Racine, Lake Michigan
• Cause of Loss: Collision with Schooner Black Hawk
• Loss of Life: None mentioned
• Cargo at Time of Loss: 17,000 bushels of corn

Vessel Description & History

The Young America was a large two-masted wooden Schooner built in 1854 in Oswego, New York, by shipbuilder George Rogers. She was owned by Clemow & Bloore, a shipping firm based in Oswego, and was part of the thriving grain and cargo trade on the Great Lakes.

The vessel operated on a regular route between Chicago and Oswego, carrying salt westward to Chicago and returning loaded with grain (primarily corn and wheat) for the East Coast markets. This trade route was critical in the mid-19th century, as Oswego served as a major transshipment hub connecting Great Lakes commerce to the Erie Canal and Atlantic trade routes.

Final Voyage & Loss

On September 23, 1855, the Young America was en route from Chicago to Oswego with a cargo of 17,000 bushels of corn when she collided with the Schooner Black Hawk northeast of Racine, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan.

The collision proved catastrophic, and the Young America sank quickly in approximately 200 feet (61 m) of water. Though no casualties were reported, the loss was financially significant, estimated at over $25,000—a considerable sum in 1855.

Final Disposition

The ship was not salvaged, likely due to the depth of the wreck and the limited recovery technology of the mid-19th century. Her cargo of corn would have quickly deteriorated underwater, making any salvage effort economically unfeasible.

Located By & Date Found

There is no confirmed modern discovery of the wreck. If located, the vessel could be relatively well-preserved due to the cold, deep waters of Lake Michigan.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No modern navigational hazards related to this vessel are documented. However, 200 feet of water depth places her beyond easy diving access, meaning her wreck remains largely unexplored.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org

• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Young America was a relatively new Schooner, lost just one year after her construction. She was part of the vital grain trade on the Great Lakes, moving goods between the Midwest and the East Coast. Her collision with the Black Hawk ended her career abruptly, sending her and 17,000 bushels of corn to the depths of Lake Michigan. Though her wreck has yet to be located, it remains an important piece of early Great Lakes maritime history.