IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Nellie Gardner was a substantial three-masted schooner, designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Built in 1873 in Marine City, Michigan, the vessel was known for its significant size and cargo capacity, making it a key asset for transporting bulk goods such as grain. Schooners like the Nellie Gardner were a common sight on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, serving as the backbone of inland maritime trade.
HISTORY #
In October 1883, the Nellie Gardner was navigating the waters of Lake Huron under the tow of the steam barge John Pridgeon Jr., en route from Chicago with a cargo of 39,000 bushels of corn. The vessel and its crew were attempting to seek shelter in Thunder Bay as a violent gale swept across the lake. The storm’s intensity forced the tow line to be cast adrift from the steamer, leaving the Nellie Gardner to face the storm’s fury on its own.
The schooner’s rudder became disabled as it entered Thunder Bay, rendering the vessel uncontrollable. Despite the crew’s efforts to anchor the ship, the anchors failed to hold, and the Nellie Gardner drifted helplessly toward a reef near South Point, approximately one mile from Scare Crow Island. The relentless force of the storm caused the vessel to strike the reef and break in two.
Despite the harrowing circumstances, the crew managed to reach the shore safely using the ship’s yawl. However, the Nellie Gardner was declared a total loss. The ship, uninsured at the time of the disaster, was abandoned after any valuable parts were stripped from the wreck. The loss of the vessel was a significant financial blow to its owner, John Pridgeon of Detroit.
While the ship itself was uninsured, the cargo of corn was covered by insurance, with a protection amount of $21,000. This coverage provided some relief, but the loss of the schooner was a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in maritime ventures on the Great Lakes, particularly during the unpredictable and often violent fall storms.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Nellie Gardner broke apart on a reef in Thunder Bay during a severe storm in October 1883. The wreckage of the vessel was abandoned, and no attempts were made to salvage the hull due to its extensive damage. The exact location of the wreck remains unmarked, with the schooner left to rest in the waters near South Point, Thunder Bay.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Nellie Gardner has not been definitively located, though it is known to have sunk near South Point, approximately one mile from Scare Crow Island in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. The incident was part of a series of disasters caused by the violent gale affecting the region during that period.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Nellie Gardner. Mariners in the area should be aware of the historical significance of the site and exercise caution when navigating near the potential wreck site, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the Nellie Gardner is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, particularly during the volatile weather of the late fall. The loss of the vessel, coupled with the survival of its crew, adds a human element to this maritime tragedy. The Nellie Gardner‘s story highlights the unpredictable nature of Great Lakes navigation and serves as a lasting testament to the bravery and resilience of those who ventured out on these inland seas.
KEYWORDS #
- Nellie Gardner schooner
- Thunder Bay shipwreck
- Lake Huron maritime history
- 19th-century shipwreck
- Great Lakes storm
- Shipwreck disaster
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The exact GPS coordinates of the Nellie Gardner wreck are not available, but it is known to have sunk near South Point, approximately one mile from Scare Crow Island, Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. Mariners should exercise caution in this area, especially during stormy conditions.
