•Vessel Name: Madison
•Year of Build: Before 1835
•Final Disposition: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
•Date of Wreck: 1835
•How: Wrecked
Vessel Type
The Madison was most likely a schooner or brigantine, two vessel types commonly used for trade and transport on the Great Lakes during the early 19th century. These ships were essential for moving goods like grain, lumber, and other materials between the United States and Canada across Lake Ontario.
History
Built before 1835, the Madison was active during a period when Oswego, New York, was a bustling commercial port. The schooner was part of the growing trade network on the Great Lakes, transporting cargo along the southern shores of Lake Ontario. Vessels like the Madison were integral to moving goods between the interior of the United States and ports along the lakes.
However, these vessels were frequently vulnerable to the unpredictable and severe weather on the Great Lakes, especially during the fall and winter months. Sudden storms, combined with relatively simple ship construction and limited navigational aids, often led to shipwrecks. Many vessels, including the Madison, were lost during such storms, with little documentation available regarding their final moments.
Final Disposition
In 1835, the Madison was wrecked near Oswego, New York. The exact cause of the wreck is not well-documented, but the Great Lakes were notorious for sudden storms, rough seas, and hazardous shoals. It is likely that the Madison succumbed to one of these common dangers, which claimed many ships during this era.
Located By & Date
There is no formal record of the Madison’s wreck being discovered or identified in modern times. Given the number of shipwrecks near Oswego and the lack of specific information, the wreck of the Madison remains undocumented. Divers and archaeologists exploring the region may yet uncover the wreck in the future.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Madison wreck. The region around Oswego is home to numerous wrecks, so divers should exercise caution when navigating and exploring underwater sites in the area.
Resources & Links #
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion #
The Madison’s wreck in 1835 near Oswego is part of the long history of maritime activity on Lake Ontario. Like many vessels of its time, it played a critical role in commerce before being lost to the lake’s unpredictable weather. The exact details of its sinking remain a mystery, as do the whereabouts of the wreck, but it adds to the rich maritime history of Oswego and the Great Lakes.
