Wayne (1875)

Vessel Type #

The Wayne was a three-masted wooden schooner, built in 1875 for transporting bulk cargo, primarily grain, across the Great Lakes. At 142 feet in length and 334.04 gross tons, the schooner was designed to carry up to 22,000 bushels of grain. Schooners like the Wayne were essential workhorses of maritime commerce during the late 19th century, playing a crucial role in transporting agricultural products from the Midwest to markets in the Northeast and beyond.

History #

Built by A.A. Turner for Captain Edward Mayes and A.A. Turner in Detroit, Michigan, the Wayne was primarily involved in transporting grain across the Great Lakes. Her cargoes often included wheat, which was shipped from the farms of the Midwest to key ports like Oswego, New York, where it would be further processed and distributed to eastern markets.

On December 6, 1877, during a routine voyage to Oswego, the Wayne encountered a severe storm as it approached the port. Despite the crew’s efforts to navigate the harsh conditions, the ship was driven onto the rocks near the Oswego breakwater. Like many wooden schooners of the time, the Wayne was vulnerable to the sudden, violent storms that frequently struck the Great Lakes, particularly during late autumn and early winter.

Final Voyage and Wreck #

The Wayne’s final voyage began with a full load of wheat bound for Oswego. As the schooner neared the end of its journey, a fierce storm developed over Lake Ontario. Battling heavy winds and turbulent seas, the ship’s crew struggled to maintain control, but the storm proved too powerful. The Wayne was ultimately driven onto the rocks near the east pier of the Oswego breakwater and wrecked.

Although details on the crew’s fate are not fully documented, it is assumed that the wreck led to the loss of both the ship and its valuable cargo. Much of the wheat, an essential cargo during this period, was lost to the lake or rendered unusable by the water. This tragic event not only marked the end of the Wayne’s short life but also highlighted the perils faced by ships and their crews on the Great Lakes.

Cargo and Trade #

The Wayne was carrying a substantial load of wheat at the time of the wreck, a typical cargo for schooners of this era. Oswego was a vital hub for the grain trade, and wheat transported from the Midwest was processed and distributed to eastern U.S. markets and exported abroad. The loss of this cargo was a significant financial blow to both the ship’s owners and the grain suppliers, as the economic importance of grain transportation was immense during this period.

Final Disposition #

On December 6, 1877, the Wayne was wrecked near the east end of the Oswego breakwater during a storm. The schooner was a total loss, along with its cargo. The exact fate of the crew remains unclear, but the vessel’s destruction marked another in a long line of Great Lakes shipwrecks caused by severe weather conditions. The remains of the Wayne now rest beneath the waters near Oswego.

Located By & Date #

There is no formal record of the Wayne wreck being located or identified in modern times. Given its location near the Oswego breakwater, the wreck may be buried in sediment or remain partially intact under water. Further exploration by divers or maritime archaeologists may one day uncover the remains of the schooner.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

There are no known Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the Wayne near Oswego. The area around the Oswego breakwater is a popular location for divers, and caution is recommended when exploring near the pier due to multiple wrecks in the vicinity.