Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: MADISON
•Year of Build: Before 1835
•Final Disposition: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
•Date: 1835
•How: Wrecked
Vessel Type
The Madison was likely a schooner or brigantine, as these were the common types of vessels on the Great Lakes during the early 19th century. She was engaged in trade or transport along Lake Ontario, one of the vital waterways for goods moving between the United States and Canada.
History
The Madison was built before 1835, a time when the Great Lakes were bustling with trade and transportation. Oswego, New York, was a critical port during this period, serving as a hub for vessels transporting grain, lumber, and other goods between the interior United States and other points along the lakes.
The Madison likely participated in this growing commercial network, providing critical cargo transport along the southern shores of Lake Ontario. Vessels during this time were vulnerable to the unpredictable and often severe weather on the Great Lakes, particularly in fall and early winter. Wrecks were common due to sudden storms, poor navigation, and the relatively primitive construction of many ships at the time.
Final Disposition
The Madison met her end in 1835 near Oswego, New York. The exact cause of the wreck is not well-documented, but storms and hazardous shoals in the area were frequent causes of shipwrecks. Many ships during this period were lost due to poor weather conditions, and it is likely that Madison fell victim to one such storm.
Located By & Date
The wreck’s exact discovery has not been fully recorded in available resources. Further investigation would be needed to determine if it has been formally located and identified by modern divers or archaeologists. Oswego, being an area of significant maritime activity, holds many wrecks yet to be explored or positively identified.
Notmars & Advisories
As of now, no specific navigational advisories related to the Madison have been recorded, nor has it been marked on modern navigational charts. Lake Ontario remains a region with multiple wrecks, and divers exploring the area are often advised to stay alert for u
