Madison, (USS General Brady) (18??)

Vessel Type Description #

The Madison, also known as USS General Brady, was a heavily armed warship equipped with 40 guns, built specifically to serve during the War of 1812. The ship was a key asset for the United States Navy, playing a significant role in controlling the waters of Lake Ontario, a strategic battleground during the conflict. The ship’s large size and firepower made it one of the most formidable vessels of its time, designed to assert American dominance over the Great Lakes.

History #

The Madison was constructed in the early 19th century, though the exact year remains unknown. The ship’s primary service period was during the War of 1812, where it played a pivotal role in naval engagements on Lake Ontario. Armed with 40 guns, the Madison was a symbol of the United States’ intent to control the key waterways of the region and protect vital trade routes.

During the war, the Great Lakes were a major theater of operations, with both the British and American forces seeking to control the water routes that were crucial for moving supplies and troops. The Madison participated in several significant engagements, defending American interests and providing a strong maritime presence against British naval forces. Its firepower and ability to engage the enemy from a distance made it a critical player in maintaining American naval superiority on Lake Ontario.

The war ended in 1815, and with peace came a diminished need for such heavily armed vessels on the lakes. Like many military ships of the time, the Madison was decommissioned following the war. However, unlike many of its counterparts, the Madison did not simply fade into history—it mysteriously went missing sometime after the war, and its fate remains unknown to this day. Despite extensive searches, the final resting place of the Madison has never been discovered, and the ship has become one of the Great Lakes’ many lost vessels.

Final Disposition #

The Madison disappeared on Lake Ontario sometime after the conclusion of the War of 1812. The ship is presumed lost due to a maritime disaster, but the specific circumstances of its disappearance remain unclear. No crew reports or wreckage have ever been recovered, leaving the ship’s fate a mystery. The Madison remains one of the many lost ships of the Great Lakes, adding to the maritime lore of the region.

Located By & Date #

•Located by: Not applicable; the wreck has not been discovered.

•Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories #

There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the Madison. As the vessel’s location is unknown, it is not marked on navigational charts, and no current hazards related to the wreck are identified.

Current Condition & Accessibility #

The wreck of the Madison has not been found, and its current condition remains a mystery. Without a known location, the shipwreck is not accessible to divers or researchers, and any potential remnants of the vessel may still be hidden beneath the waters of Lake Ontario.