IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: James W. Follette

•Type of Wreck: Screw-Propelled Vessel

•Dimensions: Not documented

•Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 756

•Year Built: 1881

•Builder: Linn & Craig, Gibraltar, Michigan

•Official Number: 116816

•Final Location: Ogdensburg, New York

•Depth of Wreck: Not documented

•Final Disposition: Abandoned after a severe storm resulted in the loss of the rudder

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The James W. Follette was a robust Screw-Propelled Vessel built in Gibraltar, Michigan, in 1881. This type of vessel relied on a screw propeller for propulsion, a key technological advancement of the time that allowed for greater efficiency and maneuverability compared to traditional Paddlewheel designs. With a Gross Tonnage of 756, the James W. Follette was designed to handle significant cargo loads, likely servicing industrial and commercial needs across the Great Lakes.

The vessel’s engine, constructed by the I. W. Buhl Company of Detroit, featured advanced specifications for its time (27-44×40 dimensions), demonstrating the era’s evolving marine engineering capabilities. The ship’s design and construction made it a valuable asset in the bustling maritime economy of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

The James W. Follette was constructed in 1881 by the noted shipbuilding firm Linn & Craig in Gibraltar, Michigan. Initially registered in the United States, the vessel was a reliable workhorse for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. It operated in a period when shipping was a vital link in the economic chain, connecting resource-rich regions with industrial hubs.

Ownership and Operations

In 1916, the James W. Follette was sold to the Plunkett Navigation Company, based in Colborne, Ontario, marking its transition to Canadian ownership. A year later, the vessel was acquired by the George Hall Coal & Transportation Company, reflecting its continued value in the transportation of bulk goods, likely including coal and other industrial materials.

The vessel’s history of ownership changes illustrates the interconnected nature of Great Lakes commerce, with companies frequently purchasing vessels to expand their operational reach and capacity.

Final Voyage and Abandonment

On May 15, 1923, the James W. Follette encountered a severe storm near Ogdensburg, New York. The intense weather caused the ship to lose its rudder, rendering it uncontrollable. Stranded and unable to maneuver, the vessel was Abandoned. This marked the end of its operational life and left it to deteriorate at its final location.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The James W. Follette was Abandoned near Ogdensburg, New York, following the loss of its rudder during the 1923 storm. The crew safely evacuated the vessel, and it was left to decay. Over the years, the ship likely suffered significant deterioration due to natural elements and its prolonged exposure.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or specific advisories related to the wreck site. However, researchers or divers interested in exploring the area should verify local navigational and safety information before proceeding.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The exact location and current condition of the wreck remain unclear. Given the abandonment in 1923, the James W. Follette is presumed to be in poor condition, with substantial degradation over the years. Accessibility for divers or researchers is uncertain, as no detailed surveys or recent documentation of the site have been published.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Maritime History

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Information on vessels like the James W. Follette

KEYWORDS

James W. Follette, Great Lakes shipwreck, Ogdensburg, Screw-Propelled Vessel, Linn & Craig, George Hall Coal & Transportation Company, 1923 storm, Abandoned vessel, Lake Ontario maritime history.

ANALYSIS

The abandonment of the James W. Follette highlights the perils of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. The loss of its rudder during a severe storm underscores the vulnerabilities of even well-built vessels to mechanical failure and harsh weather conditions. The incident also reflects broader trends in Great Lakes shipping, where vessels frequently crossed national borders and changed ownership to meet the demands of the region’s evolving industries.

The James W. Follette serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the importance of maritime innovation in overcoming the natural and mechanical hazards of Great Lakes transportation. While the vessel’s wreck remains largely undocumented, its story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the region.