IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: Annie Moulton

Type: Schooner

Built: Before 1862 (exact year unknown)

Final Resting Place: Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Annie Moulton was a Schooner, a ubiquitous vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These ships were renowned for their ability to transport bulk cargo such as grains, coal, and other commodities. Sturdily constructed with wooden hulls, schooners were equipped with two or more masts rigged with Fore-and-Aft Sails, which provided the flexibility needed to navigate the Great Lakes and their connecting waterways.

HISTORY

The Annie Moulton played a vital role in the agricultural trade of the 19th-century Great Lakes, primarily transporting barley and rye. These goods were crucial to the economies of the growing towns and cities that bordered Lake Ontario. Ships like the Annie Moulton were essential to the burgeoning trade network, connecting inland agricultural regions with urban markets.

In 1862, the Annie Moulton embarked on what would be its last voyage. While traversing the waters of Lake Ontario, the Schooner encountered a severe gale. The storm’s ferocity overwhelmed the vessel, shredding its sails and rendering it unmanageable. The crew, despite their valiant efforts, were unable to regain control of the ship as it succumbed to the relentless winds and towering waves.

The storm drove the Annie Moulton ashore in Mexico Bay, near the southern shores of Lake Ontario. The combination of strong winds and violent waves battered the Schooner, ultimately causing it to break apart. The loss of the ship and its cargo marked a significant economic setback, highlighting the inherent risks of maritime trade during this era.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the Annie Moulton lies somewhere along the shoreline of Mexico Bay, where it was declared a Total Loss following the storm of 1862. The Schooner, having been damaged beyond repair, was Abandoned where it came to rest. The cargo, consisting of barley and rye, was also lost. While the specific wreck site has not been documented or located in modern times, the wreck serves as a somber reminder of the treacherous conditions on the Great Lakes.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Annie Moulton has not been formally identified or documented by modern researchers. No official discovery date or finder has been recorded.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are currently no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Annie Moulton, as its exact location remains unknown. Mariners should exercise general caution when navigating the Mexico Bay area due to the potential presence of historical wrecks and submerged hazards.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical data on Great Lakes vessels and incidents

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: An extensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks

•Great Lakes Ships: Historical records and technical details about Great Lakes vessels

KEYWORDS

#AnnieMoulton #Schooner #LakeOntarioShipwreck #MexicoBay #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipwreck

CONCLUSION

The story of the Annie Moulton captures the perilous nature of 19th-century maritime trade on the Great Lakes. While its exact wreck site remains a mystery, the Schooner’s tragic loss serves as a testament to the challenges faced by sailors navigating these waters. The vessel’s role in agricultural transportation underscores the importance of the Great Lakes as a hub for commerce and the risks that came with such endeavors. Further exploration of the wreck site, if found, could provide valuable insights into the era’s shipbuilding techniques and trade practices.