Identification & Site Information:

• Name: A. L. ABBELL
• Former Names: None (also seen as C. L. ABELL)
• Official Number: None
• Type at Loss: Schooner, wood
• Year Built: 1855
• Builder: Geo. Hardison, Buffalo, New York
• Tonnage: 64 tons
• Date of Loss: November 1861
• Place of Loss: Waugoschance Point, Straits of Mackinac
• Lake: Lake Michigan
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None mentioned
• Cargo: 500 half-barrels of fish

Vessel Type:

The A. L. ABBELL was a wooden Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were favored for their ability to handle varying cargoes and navigate both open waters and narrow straits efficiently.

Description:

The A. L. ABBELL served primarily as a cargo Schooner, and at the time of its loss, it was transporting a significant load of fish, indicating its role in supporting the fishing industry around the Great Lakes. Vessels like this were crucial in moving goods between small ports and larger distribution centers, especially in Michigan and New York. Built in Buffalo, New York in 1855 by George Hardison, the A. L. ABBELL operated out of Grand Traverse (now Traverse City), Michigan. Its primary trade routes likely included runs between Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York, transporting goods like fish, lumber, and agricultural products.

During its six years of service, the Schooner operated in one of the most treacherous regions of the Great Lakes—the Straits of Mackinac. This narrow passage, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, was notorious for unpredictable weather and dangerous shoals.

Final Disposition:

In November 1861, the A. L. ABBELL encountered a storm near Waugoschance Point in the Straits of Mackinac. The vessel struck bottom in shallow waters and became wrecked. Despite efforts from a group sent from Mackinac to salvage the ship, they found it too damaged to recover. Instead, they stripped the vessel of any valuable materials and Abandoned it.

The Schooner’s master, Captain Stoddard, and the crew managed to escape, with no loss of life reported. The cargo, consisting of 500 half-barrels of fish, was likely lost with the vessel.

Located By & Date Found:

Nil returns – No confirmed discovery or survey of the wreck has been reported.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories:

Nil returns – There are no current advisories or obstructions noted at the site of the wreck.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Bowling Green State University Historical Collections

Conclusion:

The A. L. ABBELL represents one of the many small working schooners that navigated the perilous waters of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Its loss near Waugoschance Point highlights the dangers faced by mariners, particularly in the Straits of Mackinac, where storms and shallow waters frequently claimed vessels. While its wreck has yet to be discovered, the A. L. ABBELL remains part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

Tags & Keywords:

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeMichigan #Schooner #StraitsOfMackinac #MaritimeHistory #FishTrade #19thCenturyShipping #WaugoschancePoint