James G. Blaine U20195 (Pensaukee)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Pensaukee was a wooden vessel constructed in 1867 by T. Spears in Little Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Initially built as a bark, the vessel measured 177 feet in length, with a beam of 33.7 feet and a depth of 12.8 feet. The Pensaukee had a gross tonnage of 555 and a net tonnage of 527. Designed as a bulk freighter, the Pensaukee was primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. In 1890, the vessel was renamed James G. Blaine and underwent a significant transformation, including a rigging change that converted it from a bark to a schooner barge.

HISTORY #

The Pensaukee was a wooden bulk freighter constructed in 1867 by T. Spears in Little Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, during a time when the Great Lakes were a vital artery for transporting goods across the heartland of North America. The vessel was originally built as a bark, measuring 177 feet in length, with a beam of 33.7 feet and a depth of 12.8 feet, making it a sizable and robust ship for its time. With a gross tonnage of 555 and a net tonnage of 527, the Pensaukee was designed to handle the demands of bulk cargo transportation, a crucial task that supported the burgeoning industries and communities around the Great Lakes.

Throughout its operational life, the Pensaukee faced numerous challenges, reflecting the treacherous conditions and inherent risks of navigating the Great Lakes. Just months after its construction, in November 1867, the vessel lost its centerboard while sailing on Lake Erie. This early incident was an ominous sign of the difficulties that would follow the Pensaukee throughout its career. Despite the setback, the vessel was repaired and continued its service, demonstrating the resilience required of ships operating in such a demanding environment.

In July 1869, the Pensaukee collided with the schooner J.G. McCullough on Lake Michigan, sustaining damage that necessitated repairs. The vessel’s troubles continued in June 1874 when it was caught in a squall at Dunkirk, resulting in significant damage that required substantial repairs. That same year, on October 9, the Pensaukeeunderwent a rigging change, transitioning back to a schooner configuration, a reflection of the ongoing adaptations made to keep the vessel operational and competitive.

In 1890, the Pensaukee was renamed James G. Blaine after undergoing a significant transformation that included a rigging change, converting it from a bark to a schooner barge. This change marked a new chapter in the vessel’s life, but the James G. Blaine continued to experience a series of unfortunate incidents. In June 1881, it collided with the schooner Thomas P. Sheldon near Racine, Wisconsin. This was followed by a grounding incident near Lighthouse Point in September 1883, further adding to the vessel’s storied history of mishaps.

Despite these setbacks, the James G. Blaine remained in service, undergoing further rebuilds and repairs under the ownership of J.S. Dunham. However, the vessel’s misfortunes persisted. In September 1885, it grounded on Sand Beach, Lake Huron, and in May 1890, it collided with the schooner Maxwell in the Straits of Mackinac. These incidents underscored the challenges of navigating the busy and often perilous waters of the Great Lakes, where collisions and groundings were all too common.

The vessel’s final voyage occurred on July 8, 1908, under dramatic and tragic circumstances. While being towed by the tug William G. Proctor from Charlotte, New York, to Prescott, Ontario, the James G. Blaine encountered a severe storm near Oswego, New York. The storm proved too powerful, causing the towline to snap and leaving the vessel adrift. The James G. Blaine was driven ashore by the relentless waves and ultimately wrecked. The powerful storm, combined with the vessel’s history of misfortune, marked the end of its long and eventful service on the Great Lakes.

The story of the Pensaukee and later the James G. Blaine is emblematic of the risks faced by ships and their crews during the heyday of Great Lakes maritime commerce. The vessel’s numerous collisions, groundings, and final wreckage serve as a reminder of the relentless challenges posed by nature and the ever-present dangers of operating large wooden vessels in the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The James G. Blaine met its demise near Oswego, New York, on Lake Ontario, on July 8, 1908. The vessel, carrying a cargo of coal, was driven ashore during a storm after losing tow of the tug William G. Proctor. The ship was wrecked, marking the end of its long and troubled history on the Great Lakes.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

Located by: Not specified; the final location of the wreck remains unknown.
Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the James G. Blaine wreck site. The exact location of the vessel’s remains is not documented, and it is not marked on navigational charts.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The current condition and location of the James G. Blaine remain unknown. Without specific records of the wreck’s final resting place, it is not accessible to divers or researchers