Identification & Site Information

• Name: Young America
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 27508
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden, two-masted Schooner (originally built as a Brig)
• Builder: F. N. Jones, Buffalo, New York
• Year Built & Launched: 1853
• Specifications: Length: 130 ft (39.6 m)  Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m)  Depth: 10 ft (3 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 243 GT
• Net Tonnage: 231 NT
• Date Lost: August 20, 1880
• Location of Loss: Near Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie
• Cause of Loss: Storm, foundering in shallow water
• Loss of Life: Unknown
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Stone

Vessel Description & History

The Young America was originally built as a Brig in 1853 by F. N. Jones in Buffalo, New York. She was later converted into a two-masted Schooner, a common modification for older brigs as the Great Lakes sailing trade evolved.

She was engaged in hauling stone and bulk materials, which were in high demand for construction projects in the rapidly growing cities of the Midwest and Great Lakes region. Over her long career spanning nearly 50 years, she suffered multiple accidents and structural failures, a testament to the dangers of lake shipping in the 19th century.

Notable Incidents Prior to Final Loss

• June 1858: Collided with the Schooner Surprise off Chicago, leaving her dismasted and heavily damaged. She was later repaired and returned to service.
• November 1875: Sank and broke in two near Dunkirk, New York, but was later salvaged and Rebuilt.

Final Voyage & Loss

On August 20, 1880, the Young America was carrying a load of stone when she was caught in a storm near Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie. Unable to withstand the rough conditions, she Foundered in shallow water. Declared a Total Loss, she was Abandoned at the site.

However, in 1883, she was raised and recovered, suggesting she was still structurally intact enough to be salvaged and possibly used for another purpose. Despite this, she did not return to active cargo service.

Final Disposition

• 1900: Officially Abandoned, possibly stripped of any remaining value.
• Current status: No known remains exist; the vessel was likely dismantled or deteriorated over time.

Located By & Date Found

No modern discovery of wreckage has been reported.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No known modern navigational hazards related to this vessel exist today.

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 had an unusually long and eventful career for a wooden Schooner, surviving multiple sinkings, collisions, and salvage efforts. Although declared a Total Loss in 1880, she was raised in 1883, only to be Abandoned permanently in 1900. Her history reflects the resilience of Great Lakes schooners, many of which were salvaged and repurposed multiple times before finally being retired.