Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Tartar was a wooden schooner built in 1852, designed for the rigors of cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Tartar were essential to the economy of the region, as they transported goods such as lumber, grain, and other bulk materials across the inland seas.
History #
The Tartar was a typical wooden schooner of the mid-19th century, built to meet the demands of shipping on the Great Lakes. Schooners were popular during this era due to their ability to handle the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes, including storms and changing weather patterns.
During its years of service, the Tartar would have been involved in the transportation of various goods, contributing to the bustling trade that characterized the region. The vessel’s operational history before its final voyage is not well documented, but it would have been part of the vital network of ships that moved goods between ports along the lakes.
Final Voyage and Wreck #
The Tartar met its unfortunate end on December 1, 1870. While sailing near Point Pelee, Ontario, the vessel was caught in a severe storm. The storm drove the Tartar onto a reef, where it became stranded. Despite the crew’s efforts to save the ship, the vessel was ultimately abandoned due to the damage sustained from the storm and its precarious position on the reef.
The wreck of the Tartar is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. Point Pelee, located on the northwestern shore of Lake Erie, is known for its treacherous waters, especially during the stormy fall season. The region has been the final resting place for many ships, including the Tartar, due to the combination of shallow waters, hidden reefs, and sudden weather changes.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: December 1, 1870
- Cause of Loss: Stranded on a reef during a storm
- Crew: Not specified
- Salvage Operations: The vessel was abandoned and likely not salvaged due to the extent of the damage.
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Schooner
- Lake Erie
- Point Pelee
- Maritime History
- 19th Century Vessel
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
Conclusion #
The Tartar serves as a poignant example of the many schooners that met their end on the Great Lakes due to the unpredictable and often violent weather. Its final stranding near Point Pelee highlights the dangers that even the most robust vessels faced when navigating these waters. While the specifics of its cargo and crew remain unknown, the Tartar‘s story is a significant part of the maritime history of the Great Lakes, reflecting the risks and challenges of 19th-century shipping.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Historical Shipwreck Files
