John Burt U75300

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The John Burt was a wooden-hulled schooner constructed in 1871 in Detroit, Michigan. Designed for durability and built for the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, the vessel featured three masts and a single deck, with a length of 138.2 feet, a beam of 26.2 feet, and a depth of 11.3 feet. The John Burt was specifically designed for transporting grain, with a capacity of 18,000 bushels, making it a vital part of the grain trade on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The John Burt was a schooner that served the Great Lakes with resilience and determination, its history marked by both routine operations and significant incidents that illustrated the inherent risks of maritime navigation in this vast and often unforgiving region. Initially owned by P. Ralph, H.E. Burke, and H.C. Ralph, all prominent residents of Detroit, the John Burt was a vital asset in the transportation of large quantities of grain, a key commodity for the agricultural and economic development of the Great Lakes region during the 19th century. The schooner’s robust design and capacity made it a workhorse of the lakes, playing a crucial role in the thriving maritime trade of the time.

However, the John Burt‘s service life was not without its challenges. On October 23, 1871, the vessel encountered one of the many perils that awaited sailors on the Great Lakes when it was caught in a fierce gale at Leland Lake. The violent storm overwhelmed the schooner, causing it to sink. This early disaster could have marked the end of the John Burt’s career, but the vessel was recovered and underwent significant repairs in 1872. The successful salvage and restoration of the John Burt allowed it to return to service, a testament to the value placed on the ship by its owners and the maritime community.

As the years passed, the John Burt continued to navigate the Great Lakes, but the wear and tear of constant use necessitated further maintenance to keep the vessel seaworthy. In 1887, the schooner underwent significant repairs at John Oades’ shipyard in Detroit, a facility renowned for its expertise in ship restoration and maintenance. The work included the replacement of critical components such as stanchions, planksheer, and rails, which were essential for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the vessel. These upgrades ensured that the John Burt could continue its operations, despite the challenging conditions it frequently faced on the lakes.

The John Burt’s resilience was tested once again in 1889 when it was involved in a collision with another schooner, the C.C. Barnes, at the head of Lake Huron. The collision resulted in damage to the John Burt‘s headgear, further underscoring the dangers of navigating the busy and often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Incidents like these were not uncommon, as the lakes were heavily trafficked by numerous vessels, all of which were subject to the vagaries of weather, mechanical failures, and human error.

Throughout its service life, the John Burt demonstrated the endurance and adaptability that were characteristic of the schooners of its era. Despite the numerous challenges and setbacks it faced, the vessel continued to fulfill its role as a reliable transporter of grain across the Great Lakes. The John Burt‘s story is a reflection of the broader narrative of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, a period marked by both the growth of industry and the ever-present dangers of life on the water.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The John Burt met its tragic end on September 26, 1892, near Oswego, New York, on Lake Ontario. While carrying a cargo of grain, the schooner was caught in a fierce storm that broke its rudder, rendering the vessel uncontrollable. The John Burt was driven past the harbor entry and eventually beached. The relentless action of the waves caused the vessel to break apart. Tragically, two out of the seven crew members on board lost their lives in the disaster, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

Located by: Not specified; the exact location of the wreck remains undocumented.
Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

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

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The remains of the John Burt have not been definitively located. Without specific records of the wreck’s final resting place, it is not accessible to divers or researchers. The condition of the wreck, if it still exists, is unknown.