Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Hamilton J. Mills

•Type: Wooden Schooner Barge

•Year Built: 1881

•Length: 160 feet (48.77 meters)

•Beam: 32 feet (9.75 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.66 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 508.88 tons

•Net Tonnage: 483.44 tons

•Grain Capacity: Approx. 35,000 bushels

•Lumber Capacity: 700,000 feet

•Final Location: Not specified

•Deaths: None reported

Vessel Type Description

The Hamilton J. Mills was a three-masted wooden Schooner Barge, specifically designed for the demanding bulk cargo transportation of the late 19th century. Constructed in Buffalo, New York, this vessel was characterized by its wire rigging, strong build, and high cargo capacity, which made it a vital player in the Great Lakes’ burgeoning industrial economy. The Barge was rated A1, a testament to its durability and reliability, and was frequently employed for hauling grain and lumber—two key commodities that drove economic growth in the region.

History

Construction and Launch

Built by R. Mills & Co. in Buffalo, New York, and launched on October 26, 1881, the Hamilton J. Mills was a premier example of the shipbuilding craftsmanship of its time. Designed to serve as a workhorse in the Great Lakes shipping trade, the Schooner Barge had a reputation for efficiency and reliability. Its capacity to carry 35,000 bushels of grain or 700,000 feet of lumber underscored its importance in regional commerce.

Operational Role

Initially owned by R. Mills, Ham Mills, John Humble, and Thomas Welsh, the vessel became an essential part of maritime commerce. Its A1 rating made it a sought-after investment, and it was eventually sold to L.B. Fortier for $23,000. Registered in Buffalo, the Hamilton J. Mills was actively involved in transporting grain and lumber, operating alongside other significant vessels like the A.J. Wrightand W.A. Sherman.

Economic Impact

The Schooner Barge played a crucial role in linking agricultural producers and industrial markets. Its ability to efficiently move bulk goods across the lakes contributed to the economic vitality of Great Lakes cities and helped facilitate the region’s rapid industrialization.

Final Disposition

The Hamilton J. Mills’s final fate is not documented. Despite its robust construction and excellent service record, the circumstances of its end—whether lost at sea, decommissioned, or scrapped—remain unknown. The absence of specific details leaves its legacy shrouded in mystery.

Located By & Date

•Located by: Not specified.

•Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

The exact location of the Hamilton J. Mills’s remains has not been identified or thoroughly explored, and no detailed surveys of its wreckage exist.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the Hamilton J. Mills. The site remains undocumented on navigational charts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to the lack of documentation on its final disposition or wreck location, the condition of the Hamilton J. Mills remains unknown. It is not accessible for diving or research at present.

Resources & Links

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

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwrecks

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships

•Merchant Vessel List (1885): Archival data documenting vessel specifications and ownership.

Conclusion

The Hamilton J. Mills exemplified the ingenuity and resilience of Great Lakes Schooner barges during the late 19th century. Built to withstand the rigours of the era’s demanding trade, it became an indispensable asset in the region’s transportation network. While its ultimate fate remains a mystery, the vessel’s contribution to the industrial and agricultural commerce of its time is undeniable. The Hamilton J. Mills is remembered as a stalwart of Great Lakes shipping, emblematic of a period marked by innovation, expansion, and economic transformation.

Keywords

Hamilton J. Mills, Schooner Barge, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century shipbuilding, grain transportation, lumber transportation, Buffalo, New York, A1-rated vessel.