ZADOCK PRATT

Identification & Site Information #

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Vessel Type Description #

The Zadock Pratt was a wooden three-masted schooner, designed and built in 1855 by the shipbuilders Smith & Spencer in Buffalo, New York. With impressive dimensions for its time, the vessel was intended for transporting large cargoes across the Great Lakes. Its design featured a significant carrying capacity, as reflected in its gross tonnage of 420 tons, making it a substantial vessel for the era.

History #

The Zadock Pratt was launched in 1855, hailed by contemporary reports as one of the finest vessels built by Smith & Spencer that season. With Captain Henry Ellsworth at the helm, the schooner embarked on its voyages with high expectations. The vessel was constructed to carry bulk goods, particularly grain, across the Great Lakes, a vital trade route during the mid-19th century.

The schooner had a successful run for several years, demonstrating its seaworthiness and robust construction. However, its promising career came to an abrupt end in November 1860. While navigating the waters near Point Pelee, Lake Erie, the Zadock Pratt met its fate under tragic circumstances.

On the night of November 20, 1860, the Zadock Pratt, fully loaded with wheat and bound for its destination, struck the submerged wreck of the propeller Mount Vernon in the Point Au Pelee Channel. The collision occurred in deep water and under the cover of darkness, making it impossible for the crew to see the hazard in time to avoid it. The impact was catastrophic, leading to the rapid sinking of the schooner. The Zadock Pratt was insured for $25,000, covering the vessel, its cargo, and the freight list, all underwritten by offices in Buffalo.

Despite the severity of the incident, the crew of the Zadock Pratt managed to abandon ship in their small boat. They were later rescued by the schooner S.J. Holley, saving their lives but leaving the schooner and its valuable cargo lost to the depths of Lake Erie.

The loss of the Zadock Pratt was reported widely, including in the Buffalo Morning Express and the Buffalo Daily Republic, which detailed the unfortunate collision with the wreck of the Mount Vernon. The incident highlighted the dangers of navigating the busy and often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, where submerged wrecks and other hazards posed significant risks to mariners.

Final Disposition #

• Date of Loss: November 20, 1860
• Cause of Loss: Collision with the submerged wreck of the propeller Mount Vernon in Point Au Pelee Channel
• Crew: All crew members survived
• Final Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie

Tags #

• Shipwreck
• Schooner
• Lake Erie
• 19th Century Vessel
• Maritime History
• Great Lakes Shipwreck
• Zadock Pratt
• Collision

Conclusion #

The Zadock Pratt stands as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by schooners and their crews during the 19th century, navigating the often perilous waters of the Great Lakes. Built in 1855 with high expectations, the schooner had a brief but impactful career, ultimately meeting its end in a tragic collision. The loss of the Zadock Pratt, along with its cargo of wheat, underscores the challenges of maritime transport during this era and the ever-present dangers posed by hidden hazards in busy shipping lanes. Despite the loss, the crew’s survival serves as a testament to their resilience and the importance of readiness in the face of sudden disaster.

Resources & Links #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Buffalo Daily Republic Archives
• Buffalo Morning Express Archives