REINDEER

This wreck is located at the mouth of the Black River in Sacketts Harbor, NY

An unknown schooner, thought to be the REINDEER, went ashore below Black River during the gale, leaving behind a trail of intrigue and questions that continue to perplex maritime historians and enthusiasts alike.

**The Disappearance:** On an ominous day in 1895, Lake Erie was whipped into a frenzy by a fierce gale. Amidst the howling winds and crashing waves, an unidentified schooner met its fate as it ran aground below Black River, near Toledo. This shipwreck would have likely faded into obscurity if not for the possibility that it was the REINDEER.

**The Enigma of REINDEER:** The schooner REINDEER, known for its beauty and grace, was built in 1860 at Clayton, New York, and had a storied history on the Great Lakes. Owned by Fowler & Esseltyn, it was valued at $6,000 and measured 262 tons. It was rebuilt in 1869, and at its prime, it was considered a jewel of the lakes.

**The Disputed Identity:** The mystery surrounding the shipwreck hinges on whether the ill-fated vessel was indeed the REINDEER or another schooner with a similar fate. Various sources offer conflicting information, adding to the intrigue.

**Possible Clues:** The barge REINDEER was eventually towed into shoal waters near Toledo, where it was left to disintegrate, indicating that it was no longer considered salvageable. This decision suggests that the vessel might have been in poor condition or too heavily damaged during the grounding.

**Historical Documentation:** The historical records further complicate the story. The “Hist. of the Great Lakes” by Mansfield mentions a schooner named REINDEER, wrecked at Black River in 1895, adding some weight to the argument that the shipwreck was indeed the REINDEER. The Merchant Vessel List from 1895 also lists the REINDEER as being homeported in Detroit, further supporting the theory.

**Unresolved Mystery:** Despite the information provided by historical records, the uncertainty surrounding the true identity of the schooner that went ashore near Black River persists. The absence of conclusive evidence leaves room for speculation and debate among maritime enthusiasts.

In the annals of Great Lakes history, the fate of the schooner REINDEER remains an enigma, a shipwreck that may forever be shrouded in mystery. The story of this unknown vessel serves as a reminder of the many maritime mysteries that continue to captivate our imaginations.