Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Nimrod was a three-masted wooden schooner built in 1873. With its robust construction and significant cargo capacity, it was well-suited for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. The schooner featured a single deck and was primarily used in the trade of bulk commodities such as wheat, which it was carrying on its final voyage.
History #
The Nimrod had a brief yet notable career on the Great Lakes, serving as a critical vessel for the transportation of goods during the late 19th century. Below is a chronological overview of its operational history:
- 1873: The Nimrod was constructed in Toledo, Ohio, by Bailey Brothers, designed for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes trade. The schooner was launched with high expectations, boasting a strong wooden hull and a sizable cargo capacity.
- November 9, 1874: The Nimrod met its tragic end just over a year after its construction. While sailing approximately 10 miles offshore, east of Port Stanley in Lake Erie, the schooner was involved in a fatal collision with another vessel, the schooner Michigan. The impact of the collision was severe, leading to the sinking of the Nimrod.
- Rescue: Fortunately, the crew of the Nimrod was rescued by the schooner Grantham, averting a greater tragedy despite the loss of the vessel.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: November 9, 1874
- Cause of Loss: Collision with the schooner Michigan
- Crew: All crew members were rescued by the schooner Grantham
- Final Cargo: Wheat
- Current Status: Wreck lies at a depth of 70 feet (23 meters) on the lakebed of Lake Erie, approximately 10 miles east of Port Stanley.
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Schooner
- Lake Erie
- Maritime History
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Nimrod
- 19th Century Vessel
- Collision
Conclusion #
The Nimrod schooner represents a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Built in 1873, the vessel was a robust and capable schooner designed for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. Its untimely loss on November 9, 1874, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors during that era. Despite the schooner’s tragic sinking, the survival of its crew stands as a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of those aboard the rescue schooner Grantham. The Nimrod‘s story is one of resilience and the ever-present risks of maritime trade during the late 19th century.
