Other Names #
- ALGERIAN
History #
The Algerine, also known as Algerian, was a schooner built in 1856 by Andrew Miller in Oswego, New York. It was constructed using wood and had a two-mast configuration. The vessel measured 136 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and 12 feet in depth. Its gross tonnage was recorded at 300, equivalent to 436 tons old measurement (t.o.m).
On October 23, 1877, during a storm, the Algerine was bound from Ogdensburg, New York, to Detroit, Michigan, carrying a cargo of iron ore. It was driven ashore near Springfield, Pennsylvania, which is located about 20 miles west of Erie, Pennsylvania, on Lake Erie. The schooner was wrecked and quickly broke apart within a few hours. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the crew managed to escape and reach the shore safely. At the time of the incident, the Algerine was part of the Corrigan fleet based in Cleveland and was under the command of Captain James Scott, who had given James Corrigan his first job.
The Algerine had a notable history as one of the oldest vessels on the Great Lakes. It underwent repairs and changes in ownership over the years. It was owned by various parties, including Smith & Post of Oswego, Lyons & Finney of Oswego, Pelton of Cleveland, and Pelton & Boyce of Cleveland. In 1878, it was owned by J. Scott of Oswego.
Following the wreck, the Algerine’s remains were scattered along the beach near Springfield, Pennsylvania. The schooner was 22 years old at the time of the incident and had undergone significant repairs in 1876. Its value was estimated at $4,500, and it carried no insurance. The vessel was considered a fine craft during the era when schooners were popular.
