IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The ANTARES was a wooden schooner, constructed in 1852 by A. Stevens in Cattaraugus, New York. The vessel was a typical representation of mid-19th-century Great Lakes schooners, designed for cargo transport. With a tonnage of 128 tons, the schooner measured an estimated 80-100 feet in length, making it a relatively small but sturdy vessel capable of navigating the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
The ANTARES was known for its resilience, having undergone significant repairs in both 1869 and 1871. Despite its age, the schooner continued to serve its purpose, primarily operating out of Chicago and engaging in various trade routes across the lakes. However, by the late 1870s, the vessel had reached a critical point in its operational life, leading to its eventual demise.
HISTORY #
The ANTARES holds a fascinating place in maritime history, marked by both its long service life and the mystery surrounding its final years. Built in 1852 in Cattaraugus, New York, by A. Stevens, the schooner was initially valued at $1,800 and was classified as a B 2 vessel. It was owned by Robinson & others and operated out of Chicago, one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes.
Throughout its operational life, the ANTARES underwent several repairs to maintain seaworthiness, including major work in 1869 and 1871. Despite these efforts, the schooner was eventually marked as “not insurable” by Lloyd’s register in 1879, a significant blow that likely signaled the end of its active career. The reasons for this designation are not fully documented, but it suggests possible structural issues or a history of accidents that made the vessel too risky for insurers.
Adding to the intrigue, there are discrepancies in the records regarding the ANTARES’ origins. While some sources confirm its construction in Cattaraugus in 1852, others suggest it may have been built in Irving, New York, in 1863. These conflicting reports highlight the challenges of maintaining accurate historical records, particularly for vessels that operated in the 19th century.
The ANTARES eventually met its end in the Ogden Canal, where it sank under circumstances that remain somewhat unclear. Given its age and the challenges of keeping it seaworthy, it is unlikely that any serious attempt was made to salvage the vessel. The ANTARES was one of the oldest ships on the Great Lakes at the time of its sinking, marking the end of an era for this venerable schooner.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The ANTARES was left to rest in the Ogden Canal, where it remains to this day, a submerged relic of the Great Lakes’ maritime past. The ship was never salvaged, likely due to its condition and the high costs associated with such an operation. Its sinking marked the conclusion of its nearly three-decade-long service on the Great Lakes, a testament to the durability and resilience of mid-19th-century shipbuilding.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the ANTARES wreck site. The location in the Ogden Canal suggests it is not a major navigation hazard but rather a site of historical interest. Divers and historians visiting the area should be aware of the wreck’s location and exercise caution.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the ANTARES has been known since its sinking in the late 19th century, though detailed records of its exact location and condition have not been thoroughly documented or publicized.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Primary Sources:
- Historical records from the Lloyd’s register and maritime logs from the late 19th century.
- Newspaper archives including the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Buffalo Daily Republic, and Chicago maritime records.
Further Reading and Online Resources:
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Research articles and forums discussing the history and fate of Great Lakes schooners like the ANTARES.
CONCLUSION #
The story of the ANTARES is one of risk, resilience, and ultimately, tragedy. The vessel, despite being deemed “not insurable” towards the end of its life, continued to sail the Great Lakes, a testament to the courage and determination of its crew. The conflicting records and the mysterious circumstances of its final voyage add layers of intrigue to its history. The ANTARES remains an important part of the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, symbolizing both the perilous nature of 19th-century shipping and the enduring spirit of those who sailed these waters.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Schooner #ANTARES #19thCenturyShipping #Cattaraugus #OgdenCanal #GreatLakesWrecks #UnderwaterExploration #LloydsRegister
