IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The James W. Follette was a screw-propelled vessel constructed in Gibraltar, Michigan. This type of vessel used a screw propeller for propulsion, a common design for ships of that era. The ship was robustly built with a gross tonnage of 756, indicating it was a relatively large vessel designed for significant cargo capacity. Its engine, a product of the I. W. Buhl Company in Detroit, featured specifications of 27-44×40, showcasing the technological advancements in marine engineering at the time.
HISTORY #
The James W. Follette was built in 1881 and initially registered in the United States. It served various purposes over its operational life, including transporting goods across the Great Lakes. In 1916, the vessel changed ownership, transferring to the Plunkett Navigation Company based in Colborne, Ontario. A year later, in 1917, it was acquired by the George Hall Coal & Transportation Company. This transfer likely marked a shift in the vessel’s primary operational routes and cargo.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On May 15, 1923, the James W. Follette encountered a severe storm while in service. The storm’s intensity caused the ship to lose its rudder, rendering it uncontrollable and ultimately leading to its abandonment near Ogdensburg, New York. The crew and owners decided to abandon the vessel, and it was left to deteriorate, marking the end of its active service.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are related to the wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact date of the wreck’s discovery, if located, is unknown. The vessel was abandoned and left in a state of disuse after the storm in 1923.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The James W. Follette was abandoned and left in Ogdensburg, New York, after the storm. The current condition of the wreck is likely poor, with significant deterioration over the years. The wreck’s accessibility for divers or researchers is unknown, but it may still be a site of interest for those exploring historical shipwrecks in the area.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
External Links:
KEYWORDS #
James W. Follette, Great Lakes, Shipwreck, Screw-Propelled, George Hall Coal & Transportation Company, 1923 Storm, Ogdensburg, Michigan, Abandoned Vessel, Maritime History
ANALYSIS #
The wreck of the James W. Follette provides insight into the challenges faced by early 20th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s abandonment following the loss of its rudder during a severe storm highlights the dangers that ships of this era encountered. This incident reflects broader patterns of maritime risk during this period, where sudden mechanical failures or adverse weather conditions could result in the total loss of a vessel. The ship’s history of ownership changes, especially its transfer from American to Canadian companies, also illustrates the interconnected nature of Great Lakes commerce, with vessels frequently crossing national boundaries to serve the needs of regional industries.
