BROWN, ANN (1832, Schooner)
Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: BROWN, ANN
•Year of Build: 1832
Construction and Ownership
•Built at: Toronto, Ontario
•Vessel Type: Schooner
•Number of Decks: 1
•Builder Name: John Brown
Power and Masts
•Number of Masts: 2
Hull Dimensions
•Length: 36 feet
•Beam: 11 feet
•Depth: 6 feet
Vessel Type
The Ann Brown was a small, two-masted wooden schooner built in 1832 in Toronto, Ontario, by John Brown. Given its size, the Ann Brown likely served as a local cargo vessel, transporting smaller loads between ports on Lake Ontario. Schooners like the Ann Brown were an essential part of the early maritime trade on the Great Lakes, carrying goods such as lumber, grain, and supplies.
History
The Ann Brown had an exceptionally long career, lasting over seven decades. The vessel would have witnessed much of the early development of maritime commerce on Lake Ontario, transporting goods between Canadian and American ports. Over time, larger and more modern ships likely overtook the Ann Brown’s role in shipping, and the schooner became obsolete.
Final Disposition
The Ann Brown was abandoned in Toronto, Ontario, on Lake Ontario in 1903. After more than 70 years of service, the vessel was no longer useful and was left to deteriorate. Abandonment was common for older ships at the time, as salvaging or repurposing the vessel was often not economically viable.
Located By & Date
There are no known modern efforts to recover or locate the remains of the Ann Brown. Given that it was abandoned, its remains may have deteriorated or been disposed of in Toronto’s harbor area.
Notmars & Advisories
No navigational hazards are currently associated with the Ann Brown, and its location is not marked on modern charts.
Resources & Links
For additional research and historical records:
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
The Ann Brown is an example of the smaller schooners that played a vital role in early Great Lakes shipping. Although it was ultimately abandoned, it served as part of the backbone of maritime trade in the region for many decades.
