Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: John Burt

•Year of Build: 1871

•Official Number: 75300

•Vessel Type: Schooner

•Length: 138.2 feet (42.11 meters)

•Beam: 26.2 feet (7.99 meters)

•Depth: 11.3 feet (3.44 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 348 tons

•Capacity: 18,000 bushels

•Final Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

•Date of Wreck: September 26, 1892

•Cause: Wrecked during a storm; rudder broke

•Deaths: 2 out of 7 crew members

Vessel Type Description

The John Burt was a three-masted, wooden-hulled Schooner constructed for durability, built to withstand the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. Its robust design and 18,000-bushel capacity made it a workhorse in the grain trade, crucial to the agricultural and economic development of the region.

History

The John Burt was built in Detroit, Michigan, in 1871 and initially owned by P. Ralph, H.E. Burke, and H.C. Ralph of Detroit. It played a significant role in transporting grain across the Great Lakes, a key trade route during the 19th century.

Key Events:

1.October 23, 1871: The Schooner was caught in a gale at Leland Lake, sinking for the first time. It was salvaged and repaired in 1872, returning to service.

2.1887: Underwent significant repairs at John Oades’ shipyard in Detroit, where essential structural elements, such as Stanchions, planksheer, and rails, were replaced.

3.1889: Collided with the Schooner C.C. Barnes at the head of Lake Huron, sustaining damage to its headgear.

4.Throughout Service: The vessel’s role in the grain rush demonstrated its importance in economic activity despite frequent wear and tear.

Final Voyage:

On September 26, 1892, the John Burt set sail carrying grain near Oswego, New York. During a severe storm, the Schooner’s rudder broke, leaving it uncontrollable. The vessel was driven past the harbor entry, beached, and ultimately destroyed by relentless waves. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives while five survived.

Final Disposition

The John Burt was declared a Total Loss after breaking apart near Oswego, New York. The remains of the vessel were Abandoned, and its exact wreck location has not been definitively documented.

Located By & Date

•Located By: Not specified

•Date of Discovery: Not applicable

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site of the John Burt. Its exact location is undocumented, and the wreck is not marked on modern navigation charts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck has not been definitively located or studied, and the condition of the John Burt is unknown. It is not accessible to divers or researchers at this time.

Resources & Links

1.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive information on Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the John Burt.

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Context and archival details on vessels operating in the Great Lakes.

3.Great Lakes Ships: Extensive vessel data, including the history of the John Burt.

4.Bowling Green State University – Historical Vessel Collection: Archival resources related to Great Lakes maritime history.

Conclusion

The John Burt exemplifies the resilience and challenges faced by Great Lakes schooners in the 19th century. Its long service life, despite multiple incidents, underscores the vessel’s importance in the grain trade and the high demands placed on such ships. The Schooner’s tragic end near Oswego, New York, highlights the perils of maritime navigation during this era and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who sailed the Great Lakes.

Keywords

John Burt, Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 1892 Storm, Great Lakes Maritime History, Detroit Shipbuilding, Grain Schooner, Oswego Shipwreck, 19th-Century Great Lakes Commerce.