IDENTIFICATION AND SITE INFORMATION
History
The E.S. ADAMS was a wooden schooner built in 1857 in Port Robinson, Ontario, and named in honor of the city’s mayor. This vessel played a significant role in the maritime trade of the mid-19th century, especially on Lake Ontario. The schooner was officially registered under the Canadian flag in Montreal, Quebec, with the official number 33502. It had a gross tonnage of 341 tons and a net tonnage of 323 tons.
The E.S. ADAMS embarked on its maiden voyage on July 2, 1857, and became well-known for its transatlantic journey from Lake Ontario to Liverpool, UK, in 1858. The vessel continued its trade voyages, notably departing from Wallaceburg on May 26, 1860, with a cargo of oak, walnut, flour, pork, and peas bound for Europe.
However, the schooner encountered several challenges during its service. In August 1862, the E.S. ADAMS was damaged by a gale on Lake Erie, but it managed to survive and continue its operations. The most severe incident occurred on October 20, 1863, when the vessel collided with the bark CONSTITUTION off Point Pelee, Ontario. This collision resulted in the sinking of the E.S. ADAMS and the loss of its cargo, which included wheat.
Tragically, the collision also claimed the life of a sailor named Nelson Hill. Details about Hill’s background remain scarce, but his death underscores the perilous conditions faced by sailors on the Great Lakes during this era.
The registration of the E.S. ADAMS was officially closed on March 5, 1866, marking the end of its presence in maritime records. The vessel’s sinking, along with its cargo, highlights the dangers of navigation in the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes, where collisions and severe weather often resulted in tragic losses.
Notmar & Advisories
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the E.S. ADAMS. However, divers and maritime historians interested in exploring the site should approach with caution, keeping in mind the potential risks and the historical significance of the location.
Located by & Date
- Discovery: As of the latest reports, the wreck of the E.S. ADAMS has not been discovered. No significant efforts have been documented to locate the wreck, and its exact resting place remains unknown.
Resources & Links
Keywords
Schooner E.S. ADAMS, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Point Pelee, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes Trade, Collision, Bark CONSTITUTION
Conclusion
The story of the E.S. ADAMS is a somber chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, illustrating the risks that 19th-century sailors faced as they navigated these waters. The schooner’s notable voyages, including its transatlantic journey, showcase the important role it played in trade during its time. However, its tragic collision and subsequent sinking serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that awaited those who ventured out onto the Great Lakes. The loss of the E.S. ADAMS and its crew member, Nelson Hill, is a testament to the unpredictable and often perilous nature of maritime travel in that era.
