Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The Eliza Quinlan was a wooden schooner, a common type of sailing vessel used in the 19th century for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. What made the Eliza Quinlan unique was its construction, which involved building the new schooner on the bottom of an older vessel named the Sarah, originally constructed in 1852 in Kingston, Ontario by George N. Ault. This practice of reusing parts of older vessels was not uncommon in the 19th century, reflecting both the economic and resource constraints of the time.
History The Eliza Quinlan was launched in 1870 from Port Hope, Ontario. The schooner was initially owned by Quinlan of Port Hope, Ontario, who likely had a vested interest in the local shipping and maritime trade. The vessel’s early years were characterized by steady operation on the Great Lakes, serving the needs of its owners and the communities along the lakes.
Ownership of the Eliza Quinlan changed hands multiple times over its operational life:
- 1871: The vessel was owned by Quinlan of Port Hope, Ontario.
- 1876: Ownership transferred to Brawnd and others.
- 1878: William H. Brawnd became the sole owner.
- April 1881: The schooner was owned by Collier & Van Black, based in South Bay.
- 1882: Ownership reverted to Brawnd and others, with Port Hope remaining the designated location.
These ownership changes suggest that the Eliza Quinlan remained an active and valuable vessel throughout its service life, likely engaging in the transportation of goods such as lumber, coal, or grain across the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition The Eliza Quinlan met a tragic end in 1882 when it was wrecked at Poplar Point. While the exact circumstances of the wreck are not detailed in the available records, the loss of the vessel would have been a significant blow to its owners and the local maritime community. Wrecks like this were all too common on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather, navigational hazards, and the stresses of heavy cargo could quickly overwhelm a ship.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Eliza Quinlan, as the incident occurred in the 19th century and the wreck has not been actively located or marked.
Located By & Date The wreck of the Eliza Quinlan has not been located, and its exact resting place at Poplar Point remains unknown. The site is likely of historical interest but has not been extensively documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility Given the age and nature of the wreck, Eliza Quinlan is likely in a state of considerable decay, if any remains exist at all. The exact location of the wreck at Poplar Point is not documented, and as such, it remains part of the many lost ships of the Great Lakes, with its story preserved mainly through historical records.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the Eliza Quinlan.
Keywords Eliza Quinlan, schooner, Port Hope, Poplar Point, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, William H. Brawnd, maritime history, Great Lakes, Sarah
Analysis The Eliza Quinlan represents a fascinating piece of maritime history on the Great Lakes, particularly due to its unique construction atop the remains of an older vessel, the Sarah. This practice underscores the resourcefulness of shipbuilders and owners during the 19th century, who often repurposed older vessels to create new ones. The multiple ownership changes reflect the schooner’s active role in the Great Lakes shipping industry, serving various owners and transporting goods across the region. The vessel’s eventual wreck at Poplar Point in 1882 is a reminder of the inherent risks faced by sailors and ships of the era. While the exact details of the wreck are lost to history, the story of the Eliza Quinlan remains a valuable part of the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
