Other Names #
- PENSAUKEE
The Ill-Fated Journey of the Pensaukee-turned-James G. Blaine #
The history of maritime transportation is filled with tales of vessels that met untimely fates on treacherous waters. The Pensaukee, later renamed the James G. Blaine, was one such ship that had an eventful and tragic journey. Built in 1867 as a bark in Little Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, this wooden vessel encountered numerous incidents and ultimately met its demise in a fierce storm near Oswego, New York. This article delves into the fascinating story of the Pensaukee, later known as the James G. Blaine, its transformations, and the unfortunate events that led to its final resting place at the bottom of Lake Ontario.
The Pensaukee was constructed in 1867 by T. Spears in Little Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Originally measuring 177 feet in length, 33.7 feet in beam, and 12.8 feet in depth, this three-masted wooden bark boasted a gross tonnage of 555 and a net tonnage of 527. Its construction marked it as a capable vessel for bulk freight transportation. F.B. Gardiner was the original owner of the Pensaukee, setting the stage for its eventful journey.
In 1890, the Pensaukee underwent a significant transformation and was renamed the James G. Blaine. This name change was accompanied by a change in rigging, converting the vessel from a bark to a schooner. The James G. Blaine continued its operations under this new identity, carrying cargo across the Great Lakes.
Throughout its years of service, the James G. Blaine encountered several notable incidents. In November 1867, shortly after its construction, the vessel lost its centerboard while navigating Lake Erie. Two years later, in July 1869, it collided with the schooner J.G. McCullough on Lake Michigan. The vessel suffered damage in a squall at Dunkirk in June 1874, prompting repairs. By October 9, 1874, the James G. Blaine underwent a rig change, transitioning back to a schooner configuration.
On July 8, 1908, tragedy struck the James G. Blaine during a severe storm near Oswego, New York. The schooner-barge was en route from Charlotte, New York, to Prescott, Ontario, towed by the tug William G. Proctor. However, the towline between the vessels snapped, leaving the James G. Blaine at the mercy of the raging elements. The ship was driven ashore approximately 600 feet northeast of the U.S. Life Saving Station in Oswego. The vessel, carrying a cargo of coal, ultimately met its demise as powerful waves battered it relentlessly.
The Pensaukee, later known as the James G. Blaine, had a storied and tragic history. From its construction in 1867 to its final journey in 1908, the vessel experienced various incidents and transformations. Despite the name change and alterations to its rigging, the James G. Blaine was no match for the devastating storm that took its toll on Lake Ontario. Today, the story of this ill-fated ship serves as a reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by sailors and vessels on the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
