IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Montgomery was a classic two-masted schooner, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were primarily designed for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, lumber, and coal. Their shallow draft and versatile rigging made them well-suited to navigating the varied and often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY: #
Built in 1847 by Sandford & Moses in Ohio City (now part of Cleveland), Ohio, the Montgomery quickly became a valuable asset in the burgeoning maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Initially owned by D. Howe and others, the schooner was part of the Reindeer Line under the ownership of D.N. Barney & Co. The vessel played a significant role in transporting goods across the Great Lakes, a vital artery of commerce during this period.
The Montgomery underwent several changes in ownership throughout its career. By July 18, 1851, A.H. Barney and R.H. Blue of Cleveland owned the vessel. It was later registered in Buffalo, New York, in 1853. At the time of its wreck in 1856, the Montgomery was under the ownership of E.A. Bruce from Chicago, Illinois.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The schooner’s final voyage in November 1856 was marked by tragedy. Carrying a substantial cargo of 12,000 bushels of wheat from Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Oswego, New York, the Montgomery encountered a severe storm while navigating Lake Ontario. The fierce weather drove the vessel ashore near Nicholson Island, where it ultimately broke up. The schooner, along with its valuable cargo, was lost to the lake.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. The site is not marked as a significant hazard to navigation, and the remains of the schooner have not been located or recovered.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the Montgomery has not been precisely located or explored. The details of the wreck site remain undocumented in official records.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
Given the age of the wreck and the nature of its demise, it is likely that the remains of the Montgomery are scattered and in a deteriorated state. The site, presumed to be near Nicholson Island in Lake Ontario, remains unexplored and inaccessible to the public.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime Museums and Archives:
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: This museum focuses on the history of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and might have records or information on the Montgomery.
- Wisconsin Maritime Museum: Given the Montgomery‘s journey started in Wisconsin, this museum could have related archives.
- Historical Societies:
- Oswego County Historical Society: Since the schooner was destined for Oswego, NY, the local historical society might have relevant records or leads.
- Chicago Maritime Museum: Considering the vessel’s final ownership in Chicago, this museum could provide insights.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database:
- WreckSite (www.wrecksite.eu): An extensive database of shipwrecks worldwide, including the Great Lakes, where users can search for detailed records on specific vessels.
- Library and University Collections:
- Buffalo & Erie County Public Library: This library has collections that include old maritime logs and records, especially considering the Montgomery was enrolled in Buffalo in 1853.
- University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library: Known for its extensive maritime history collections related to the Great Lakes.
- Books and Journals:
- “The Great Lakes Shipping Saga” by Dwight Boyer: This book provides historical accounts of many shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, including lesser-known incidents.
- “Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes” by Anna Lardinois: A more recent publication that might touch on historical wrecks like the Montgomery.
- Newspaper Archives:
- Chronicling America: A project of the Library of Congress that offers digitized newspapers from the time of the wreck. You might find reports of the storm and the wrecking of the Montgomery.
- The Cleveland Herald or Buffalo Daily Republic: Newspapers from the cities closely connected with the Montgomery might have reported on its fate.
