Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Amelia

• Type: Schooner

• Year Built: 1796

• Final Disposition: Status uncertain, possibly Abandoned by 1815

• Final Location: Near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie

• Coordinates: Approximately 42.1440°N, 80.1080°W

• Condition: Unknown

Vessel Type Description:

The Amelia was a wooden Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Schooners were vital for transporting goods and materials between ports, particularly in the rapidly growing frontier regions. They were well-suited for the Great Lakes’ relatively shallow waters and varying wind conditions, although they were vulnerable to severe storms.

History:

The Amelia was built in 1796, marking it as one of the earlier schooners operating on the Great Lakes. By November 1811, it was moored near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, serving as part of the burgeoning shipping industry in the region. Severe storms that month wreaked havoc on shipping, and the Amelia was among the vessels caught in the chaos.

During the storm, the Amelia parted its cables and was driven down the Cuyahoga River by the gale. The contemporary report from the Buffalo Gazette provides no details about its ultimate fate. While some sources suggest it may have been Abandoned by 1815, its exact condition and circumstances remain unclear.

Final Disposition:

The Amelia’s final outcome is uncertain. It may have been Abandoned, as suggested by its absence in subsequent records. The lack of detailed historical accounts leaves its eventual fate an open question.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck or site of the Amelia.

• Navigational Hazard: Not applicable, as the vessel’s current location and condition are unknown.

Located By & Date:

• Discovery: There are no records of the Amelia being found or documented as a wreck. Its condition and location remain speculative.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion:

The Amelia is emblematic of the challenges faced by early shipping ventures on the Great Lakes. The storm of November 1811 highlights the precarious nature of navigation during this period, when storms could easily overwhelm even the most capable vessels. While its ultimate fate remains a mystery, the Amelia serves as a reminder of the resilience and risks inherent in early Great Lakes commerce.

Keywords:

• Amelia

• Lake Erie Shipwreck

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• 1811 Storm

• Cuyahoga River

Glossary:

• Schooner: A sailing vessel with fore-and-aft rigged sails, popular on the Great Lakes for its versatility and speed.

• Cuyahoga River: A river in Ohio flowing into Lake Erie, significant for early commerce and shipping.