Identification & Site Information

• Name: E.S. TAYLOR
• Type at Loss: Scow-Schooner, Wood
• Year Built: 1857
• Builder: Samuel J. Root  Black River, Ohio
• Specifications:  Length: 89 ft (27.13 m)  Beam: 23 ft (7.01 m)  Depth: 6 ft (1.83 m)
•  Tonnage: 117 tonnage (old Style)
• Date of Loss: October 15, 1860
• Place of Loss: Between the mouth of the Detroit River and Bar Point
• Lake: Erie
• Type of Loss: Collision
• Loss of Life: Probably none
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal

Vessel Type

The E.S. TAYLOR was a scow-Schooner, a type of flat-bottomed wooden sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. Scow-schooners were particularly valued for their ability to carry bulk cargoes, such as coal, lumber, and stone, and for their ease of construction and shallow Draft, which made them ideal for navigating rivers, harbours, and shallow coastal areas.

Description & History

Built in 1857 by Samuel J. Root in Black River, Ohio, the E.S. TAYLOR operated primarily as a cargo vessel, transporting goods like coal across Lake Erie. Scow-schooners were considered workhorses of the Great Lakes, often employed in coastal trade routes where larger, deep-Draft vessels could not safely operate.

Final Disposition

On the night of October 15, 1860, while carrying a load of coal, the E.S. TAYLOR collided with the downbound Schooner COMET in the waters between the mouth of the Detroit River and Bar Point. The collision occurred under the cover of darkness, which was a frequent cause of maritime accidents in an era before widespread lighthouse coverage and navigational lighting standards.

The impact caused the E.S. TAYLOR to flood rapidly. Her crew managed to abandon ship in the vessel’s small boat just before she sank in approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters) of water. The wreck remained submerged for several weeks before it began to break apart due to wave action and seasonal storms. By November 10, 1860, the vessel had disintegrated significantly. However, salvage crews were able to recover her anchors and various fittings.

The COMET, though seriously damaged in the collision, did not sink and was able to continue operations after repairs.

Resources & Links

• Newspaper Archives (NSP)
• Historical Great Lakes Maritime Database (HGL)
• Register of Northern Commerce (RNC)

Conclusion

The loss of the E.S. TAYLOR underscores the challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly the risks associated with night-time navigation and heavy shipping traffic. Collisions were a common hazard in busy waterways like the Detroit River, where vessels converged from multiple directions. While the crew of the E.S. TAYLOR survived, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils of maritime transport before the advent of modern navigational aids and safety protocols.