Other Names
- J.S. CARTER
History
The J.N. Carter, also known as J.S. Carter, was a Canadian schooner that met its unfortunate fate in the late 19th century. Built in 1875 in Picton, Ontario, this two-masted wooden schooner sailed the waters of Lake Huron, primarily involved in the grain and lumber trade. Despite its years of service, the J.N. Carter faced multiple challenges, including collisions and strandings, leading to its eventual abandonment and loss. In this article, we explore the history, specifications, and final moments of the J.N. Carter.
The J.N. Carter had a length of 112 feet, a beam of 25 feet, and a depth of 9 feet. It was registered at 187 tons gross and net. Constructed by W. Redmond at the shipyard in Picton, Ontario, this vessel was initially owned by James N. Carter of Picton. Later, ownership transferred to N. Dyment of Barrie, Ontario.
Throughout its existence, the J.N. Carter encountered several mishaps and accidents. In September 1883, the schooner found itself stranded 2 miles south of Kincardine Pier, Ontario. However, it was eventually released from its predicament the following summer by the tugboat Bob Hackett. Another significant incident occurred in September 1880 when the J.N. Carter suffered damage due to a collision with the government steamer R.B. Hayes near Amherstburg on the Detroit River. The schooner incurred considerable damages but was repaired and returned to service.
The J.N. Carter’s final moments unfolded in September 1894. While navigating the Mississagi Strait at the northwest end of Manitoulin Island, in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the schooner ran aground and became stranded. The vessel plowed into a reef, now known as “Carter Rock,” and was unable to be released. Subsequently, the decision was made to abandon the J.N. Carter, marking its end as a total loss.
The J.N. Carter, a schooner that faithfully served in the Great Lakes trade, met its untimely demise off the shores of Lake Huron. Despite its numerous challenges, including collisions and strandings, the J.N. Carter persisted until its final grounding in the Mississagi Strait. Today, the memory of this vessel lives on, along with the reef that bears its name—Carter Rock—a testament to the rich maritime history of the region.
