IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Schooner PERSEVERANCE
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Owner: John Greening, Cleveland
• Builder: F.N. Jones
• Year Built: 1855
• Construction Site: Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions:
• Tonnage: 294 tons
• Valuation: $5,800
• Final Location: Mackinac Straits, Great Lakes
• GPS Coordinates 45° 42.002′  N 084° 26.478′ W
• Date of Incident: November 24, 1864

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The PERSEVERANCE was a wooden Schooner built for the transportation of bulk cargo, including agricultural goods like wheat, across the Great Lakes. Vessels of this type were essential to the mid-19th-century economy, facilitating trade between major Great Lakes ports. The Schooner, with a tonnage of 294 tons, was a medium-sized vessel by contemporary standards, well-suited for long-haul routes like Chicago to Ogdensburg.

HISTORY

The PERSEVERANCE was launched in 1855 by F.N. Jones in Buffalo, New York, and served primarily in the cargo trade, transporting goods such as wheat, coal, and lumber across the Great Lakes. Owned by John Greening of Cleveland, the vessel was a regular fixture in the bustling maritime commerce of the era.

Collision Incident

On November 24, 1864, the PERSEVERANCE was carrying a cargo of wheat from Chicago to Ogdensburg when it collided with the Schooner GREY EAGLE in the Mackinac Straits. The incident occurred during severe weather, which greatly hindered Visibility. Compounding the danger, the PERSEVERANCE had lost its signal light and, in an attempt to signal other vessels, displayed a prohibited white light at night. This unconventional signal may have confused the GREY EAGLE, leading to the fatal collision.

Both vessels sustained catastrophic damage in the collision. The PERSEVERANCE sank, along with its valuable cargo of wheat. The collision highlighted the dangers of Great Lakes navigation during the volatile late autumn months, where storms and freezing temperatures often combined to create treacherous conditions.

Legal Proceedings

The U.S. Circuit Court for Wisconsin found both the PERSEVERANCE and the GREY EAGLE at fault for the collision, citing issues of poor communication and navigational practices. The court ordered a division of damages between the two parties, reflecting a shared liability for the accident.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The PERSEVERANCE was lost in the Mackinac Straits following its collision with the GREY EAGLE. Both the vessel and its cargo were a Total Loss. The shipwreck likely rests on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of the Straits, a historically significant maritime passage in the Great Lakes. There is no record of salvage or recovery of the vessel or its cargo.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No modern Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the PERSEVERANCE. However, the Mackinac Straits are a known site for numerous shipwrecks, and divers should be cautious of underwater hazards.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical records and shipwrecks.
• David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Provides detailed information about lost vessels like the PERSEVERANCE.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Supports the exploration and preservation of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Local Historical Societies (Mackinac Area): May hold additional archival material or oral histories related to the incident.
• 3DShipwrecks – Perseverance

3D Model – Perseverance

Perseverance by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

CONCLUSION

The loss of the PERSEVERANCE serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. The collision in the Mackinac Straits, exacerbated by severe weather and navigational challenges, underscores the need for clear signaling and adherence to established maritime protocols—lessons that remain relevant to this day. The wreck of the PERSEVERANCE continues to be an evocative chapter in the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes.