Other Names
- COLERAINE, 1854. (Rebuild)
In the annals of maritime history, the Great Lakes bear witness to countless tales of vessels facing the fury of nature and the challenges of navigation. Among these stories lies the tragic fate of the schooner Commodore Foote. From its construction to its ill-fated collision, the journey of the Commodore Foote offers insights into the challenges and risks faced by vessels on Lake Huron.
The schooner Commodore Foote first saw the light of day in 1862, born from the skilled hands of shipbuilder Willard Kitts in Oswego, New York. With dimensions of 112 feet in length, 23 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth, this wooden two-masted schooner was a formidable presence on Lake Huron. With a tonnage of 254, it was a vessel well-equipped to carry various cargoes across the expansive waters of the lake.
As the schooner Commodore Foote sailed through the eastern Straits of Lake Huron on November 21, 1867, destiny took an unfortunate turn. Bound for Oswego from Milwaukee, the vessel encountered another schooner, the John Kelderhouse, in a passing mishap that would lead to catastrophe. The collision between the two vessels proved disastrous, and the Commodore Foote found itself succumbing to the unforgiving depths of Lake Huron. Despite the valiant efforts of the crew, the schooner sank beneath the waves, taking with it its cargo of 13,800 bushels of wheat.
Though the Commodore Foote met its end in a tragic collision, the absence of loss of life stands as a testament to the skill and courage of the sailors on board. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, where swift changes in weather and challenging navigation conditions were a constant reality. The vessel’s entry in the Merchant Vessels of the U.S. in subsequent years noted its loss, cementing its place in maritime history.
The story of the schooner Commodore Foote offers a glimpse into the challenges of 19th-century maritime trade. From its construction on the hull of the Schooner Coleraine to its final voyage and collision, the vessel’s journey reflects the resilience of sailors and the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes. The fate of the Commodore Foote stands as a reminder of the sacrifices and risks faced by those who sailed these inland waters, contributing to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
