Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Zadock Pratt

•Vessel Type: Schooner (Three-masted)

•Year Built: 1855

•Built At: Buffalo, New York

•Hull Materials: Wood

•Builder: Smith & Spencer

•Original Owner: Messrs. Peck & Smith, Buffalo, New York

•Dimensions:

•Length: 133 feet

•Beam (Width): 26 feet 10 inches

•Depth: 10 feet 11 inches

•Gross Tonnage: 420 tons

•Final Cargo: Wheat

•Registry: United States

•Home Port: Buffalo, New York

•Location of Wreck: Point Pelee, Lake Erie

•Depth: 25 feet of fresh water (8 meters)

•Coordinates: N 41° 52.024’, W 82° 28.689’

Vessel Type Description

The Zadock Pratt was a robust wooden Schooner built for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1855 by the renowned shipbuilders Smith & Spencer of Buffalo, New York, it was celebrated as one of the premier vessels of its time. With a substantial Gross Tonnage of 420 tons, the Zadock Pratt had an impressive carrying capacity, specifically designed for the bustling grain trade of the mid-19th century.

History

The Zadock Pratt was launched in 1855 under the command of Captain Henry Ellsworth. It immediately entered service on the Great Lakes, becoming a vital link in the transport of wheat and other commodities. Known for its seaworthiness, the Schooner served as a workhorse of the growing maritime economy.

The Schooner met its demise on the night of November 20, 1860, while navigating the Point Au Pelee Channel of Lake Erie. Fully loaded with wheat, the Zadock Pratt struck the submerged wreck of the propeller Mount Vernon. The collision occurred in deep water, and the impact was catastrophic. The Schooner quickly took on water and sank, becoming a Total Loss despite its insurance coverage of $25,000.

Fortunately, all crew members Abandoned ship in their small boat and were later rescued by the Schooner S.J. Holley. The loss was widely reported in newspapers like the Buffalo Morning Express and the Buffalo Daily Republic, bringing attention to the dangers of submerged hazards in busy shipping lanes.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: November 20, 1860

•Cause of Loss: Collision with the submerged wreck of the propeller Mount Vernon

•Crew Status: All crew members survived

•Final Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: The wreck lies in 25 feet of fresh water, a depth accessible to divers. Mariners should remain cautious of submerged wreckage in the area, especially near the busy Point Au Pelee Channel.

•Advisories: The shallow depth and historical significance make it a potential interest for recreational divers and maritime historians.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Archives: Buffalo Morning Express, Buffalo Daily Republic

Conclusion

The Zadock Pratt represents both the triumph and tragedy of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Built with the promise of contributing to the burgeoning maritime trade, its career was tragically cut short in a collision caused by submerged wreckage. While the Schooner’s life ended abruptly, the survival of its crew stands as a testament to their resilience and preparation. Today, the Zadock Pratt rests beneath the waters of Lake Erie, a symbol of the challenges faced by mariners and the hidden dangers that lie beneath these vast inland seas.

Keywords

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