Identification & Vessel Information

•Vessel Name: Madison (also known as USS General Brady)

•Year of Build: Early 19th century (exact year unknown)

•Vessel Type: Warship

•Armament: 40 guns

•Service: War of 1812

•Final Location: Lake Ontario

•Final Disposition: Missing

Vessel Type Description

The Madison, later referred to as USS General Brady, was a wooden warship armed with 40 guns. Built for the War of 1812, this ship was a key asset for the United States Navy during one of the most critical maritime conflicts in Great Lakes history. Its formidable firepower and size made it a centerpiece in the struggle for control of Lake Ontario, a vital strategic theater of the war.

History

Constructed in the early 19th century, the Madison played a pivotal role during the War of 1812. The ship was a symbol of American naval power on Lake Ontario, tasked with securing key waterways and protecting trade routes. Its 40-gun armament was designed to give the United States a decisive edge in engagements against British forces.

Throughout the war, the Great Lakes saw fierce naval battles, with both American and British forces vying for dominance. The Madisonwas involved in several significant operations, showcasing its strength and firepower. Its role in these battles helped maintain American control over vital supply routes and troop movements.

After the war’s conclusion in 1815, the need for heavily armed vessels like the Madison diminished. Decommissioned after the cessation of hostilities, the ship mysteriously disappeared sometime thereafter. Its fate remains one of the Great Lakes’ enduring mysteries, as no definitive evidence of its wreckage or the circumstances of its loss has ever been uncovered.

Final Disposition

The Madison disappeared on Lake Ontario after being decommissioned post-1815. While maritime disasters, such as sinking due to storms or structural failure, are possible explanations, no direct evidence of the ship’s fate has been recovered. It is presumed lost with no survivors or salvage operations documented.

Located By & Date

•Located By: Not applicable; the wreck remains undiscovered.

•Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Madison. Without a confirmed wreck location, there are no navigational hazards directly associated with the ship.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As the Madison’s wreck has not been located, its condition is unknown. The ship is presumed to lie on the lakebed of Lake Ontario, possibly in a state of disintegration given the passage of over two centuries. The wreck, if discovered, would likely yield valuable historical artifacts and insights into early 19th-century shipbuilding and naval warfare.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Here

Provides historical records and vessel profiles for ships like the Madison.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Explore Here

A comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

3.War of 1812 Naval Records: Official government archives documenting naval engagements during the War of 1812.

4.Great Lakes Ships Database: Explore Here

Offers detailed information on historic Great Lakes vessels.

Conclusion

The Madison, known for its pivotal role during the War of 1812, remains a mystery of the Great Lakes. Its disappearance after decommissioning adds to the lore of missing warships from this era. Despite its absence, the Madison’s legacy as a powerful symbol of naval strength during a critical period in North American history endures. The search for its wreck continues to intrigue historians and maritime enthusiasts, preserving its place in the rich narrative of Lake Ontario’s maritime heritage.

Keywords

Madison warship, USS General Brady, War of 1812, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Great Lakes naval history, missing warship, 19th-century vessels, maritime mysteries.