Identification & Site Information:

• Wreck Name: Altair

• Type: Wooden-Hulled Schooner

• Builder: Francis Nelson Jones

• Construction Location: Buffalo, New York

• Year Built: 1855

• Dimensions: Not specified

• Gross Tonnage: 413

• Final Disposition: Wrecked on November 8, 1864, near Big Charity Island, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

Vessel Type Description:

The Altair was a wooden-hulled Schooner with a single Deck, built for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. With a Gross Tonnage of 413, it was relatively large for its time and capable of carrying substantial cargo, including grain, which it was transporting during its final voyage.

History:

The Altair began its life in Buffalo, New York, under local ownership. It later changed hands several times, moving to Chicago in 1859 and subsequently being owned by Scranton in 1860, followed by Parker & Johnson in 1863. The vessel was actively involved in the commerce of the Great Lakes, connecting major ports like Buffalo and Chicago.

On November 8, 1864, the Altair departed Chicago bound for Buffalo with a cargo of grain. It encountered a powerful gale while navigating Lake Huron. Seeking refuge, the Schooner attempted to shelter along the Canadian shore. However, it ran aground near Big Charity Island in Saginaw Bay, resulting in the vessel’s wrecking.

Tragically, all hands aboard the Altair were lost in the disaster. Wreckage was later found near Kincardine, Ontario. The storm also caused significant damage to other vessels, including the Julia Smith, Amelia, A.J. Rich, and American Eagle, underscoring the widespread devastation wrought by Great Lakes storms.

Final Disposition:

The Altair was Abandoned after grounding near Big Charity Island. The wreck was left to deteriorate and has since become part of the historical record of Great Lakes maritime losses.

Located By & Date:

There are no specific records of modern discovery or exploration of the Altair wreck site.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the Altair.

• Navigational Hazards: None reported at the site near Big Charity Island.

Resources & Links:

1. Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records on Great Lakes vessels and wrecks.

2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File: A detailed archive of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

4. History of the Great Lakes: Historical accounts of the region’s maritime history.

Conclusion:

The Altair’s tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The vessel’s story, marked by its active role in Great Lakes commerce and its loss in a violent storm, highlights the dangers of navigating these vast inland seas. Its legacy remains a poignant chapter in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords:

• Altair

• Great Lakes Shipwreck

• Lake Huron Shipwreck

• 19th Century Maritime History

• Saginaw Bay

• Charity Island

Glossary:

• Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with fore-and-aft rigged sails on two or more masts.

• Saginaw Bay: A large bay on the western side of Lake Huron, often impacted by severe weather.

• Great Lakes Gale: Intense storms common in the Great Lakes, especially in the fall, known for their destructive power.