Title: Tales of Peril: Shipwrecks on the Treacherous Waters of Lake Huron and Lake Erie in 1850
The year 1850 witnessed a series of harrowing shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, particularly on Lake Huron and Lake Erie. The unpredictable and treacherous nature of these waters claimed vessels like the brig HENRY CLAY and the schooner BUENA VISTA. Additionally, the schooner FRONTIER faced a disastrous fate, breaking her back and filling with water. Amidst these calamities, the crew of the propeller TROY acted as heroes, rescuing sailors from the HENRY CLAY and BUENA VISTA. This article recounts the tragic events that unfolded on Lake Huron and Lake Erie during that fateful year.
On December 7, 1850, the brig HENRY CLAY met its doom, running aground on Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron. The vessel was a total loss, amounting to $4,130 in damages. The storm that fateful night took its toll on numerous other vessels navigating the same waters.
The schooner FRONTIER, bound for its homeport, faced a cruel twist of fate. The gale drove her ashore about 12 miles below Niagara, near Wilson. Tragically, the vessel broke her back and began filling with water. The crew’s perilous situation led them to telegraph for assistance, and the propeller TROY came to their rescue, showing remarkable bravery and selflessness.
The propeller OHIO faced a similar fate, grounding at Beaver Island during the storm. The Brig CONSTELLATION ran aground at Mackinac, but there was hope for her salvage. The Schooner COLUMBIA arrived at Mackinac with damaged sails and slight leaking. The Schooner EMELINE LEONARD, laden with supplies, sank at Beaver Island. The Steamer ST. LOUIS was rumored to be ashore near Erie, possibly due to her attempts to reach the port during the storm.
The Schooner G.T. WILLIAMS faced a perilous journey during the gale of Friday and Saturday. The freezing cold and accumulating ice posed a serious threat, almost sinking the vessel. However, the timely arrival of the ship in a leaky condition allowed the crew to avert disaster, albeit with some damage to the cargo.
The year 1850 was marred by shipwrecks and maritime tragedies on Lake Huron and Lake Erie. The brave actions of the crew of the propeller TROY in rescuing sailors from the HENRY CLAY and BUENA VISTA demonstrated the courage and camaraderie of sailors in the face of adversity. These tales of peril and bravery serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors navigating the unforgiving waters of the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
