IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Allegan

•Type: Wooden Two-Masted Schooner

•Built: 1835 or 1836

•Location of Build: Chaumont, New York

•Dimensions: Length: 76 feet (23.2 meters), Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters), Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

•Tonnage: Approx. 100 tons

•Final Location: Near Presqu’ile, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Date of Wreck: November 1856

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Allegan was a wooden two-masted Schooner, a common vessel design during the 19th century Great Lakes shipping era. These schooners were efficient cargo carriers, well-suited to transport bulk goods such as wheat and other agricultural products. With a relatively small yet sturdy build, the Allegan exemplified the adaptability required for navigating the often challenging waters of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The Allegan began its maritime service soon after its construction in 1835 or 1836 in Chaumont, New York. Schooners like the Allegan were vital to the economic development of the Great Lakes region, moving goods across interconnected waterways.

Throughout its career, the Allegan was enrolled at various ports, including Oswego, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Sacketts Harbor; and Cape Vincent, New York. The Schooner frequently transported wheat and other commodities, playing a key role in the region’s trade.

Notable Incidents

The Allegan faced several challenges during its operational life:

•Groundings and Storms: The vessel ran aground multiple times during severe weather, reflecting the hazards of navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes.

•Reconstruction: During the winter of 1855-1856, the Allegan underwent significant reconstruction and enlargement, although detailed records of the modifications are unavailable.

Final Voyage

In November 1856, the Allegan encountered a storm near Presqu’ile, Ontario, on Lake Ontario. The Schooner was driven ashore and declared a Total Loss along with its cargo of wheat. The vessel’s Hull and cargo were valued at $11,500, with insurance coverage reported. The wreck marked the end of the Allegan’s 20-year service on the Great Lakes.

The Schooner’s last known owners, recorded in April 1856, were Hopkins and Harken of Oswego, New York. It remains unclear if additional ownership transfers occurred before its wreck.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Allegan was wrecked near Presqu’ile, Ontario, during a storm in November 1856. The vessel and its cargo were declared a Total Loss. No evidence suggests the Schooner was salvaged or Rebuilt following the incident.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The remains of the Allegan have not been comprehensively documented, and no substantial wreckage is known to exist at the site. The location near Presqu’ile holds historical significance, though the lack of physical remnants limits its accessibility for maritime exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive information about vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the Allegan.

KEYWORDS

Allegan Schooner, Chaumont New York shipbuilding, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Presqu’ile storm wreck, Great Lakes maritime history, 1856 Schooner loss, Hopkins and Harken vessel, 19th-century wheat transport schooners.

The Allegan’s story highlights the risks and resilience of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, contributing to the rich maritime history of the region.