IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
| Name: LYDIA ANN Type: Schooner Year Built: Exact year unknown Owner: Captain A.M. Rogers Lost: December 17, 1867, near Stony Point, Lake Ontario Final Location: Stony Point, Lake Ontario |
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The LYDIA ANN was a wooden schooner, a common type of sailing vessel used during the 19th century on the Great Lakes. Schooners were valued for their cargo capacity and their ability to navigate the often challenging conditions of the lakes. The LYDIA ANN was primarily involved in the transportation of coal, a critical commodity during that era, especially for heating and industrial purposes.
HISTORY #
The LYDIA ANN, under the command of Captain A.M. Rogers, set sail from Charlotte, New York, on April 1, 1867, marking the beginning of what would be her final season. She was carrying a cargo of 136 tons of coal destined for Mr. C.A. Payne in Ogdensburg. However, her journey was soon marred by tragedy when a fierce gale struck as the schooner made its way down Lake Ontario.
On April 4, 1867, amidst the storm, the vessel’s mate, Thomas Vance, was tragically lost overboard. Despite the crew’s desperate efforts to save him, they were unable to do so. The incident left a profound impact on the crew, but they pressed on, determined to complete their journey.
The remainder of the year saw the LYDIA ANN and her crew facing numerous challenges, as if misfortune clung to the vessel. Finally, on December 17, 1867, the schooner met her ultimate fate when she ran aground at Stony Point, Lake Ontario. The vessel, along with her cargo of coal, was lost beneath the unforgiving waters, marking the end of her service on the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The LYDIA ANN was wrecked near Stony Point on December 17, 1867. The relentless gale that had plagued her earlier in the year culminated in her final disaster. The schooner ran aground, and despite any potential salvage efforts, she was deemed a total loss. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that the vessel was not insured, leaving Captain Rogers with an irreplaceable loss.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE #
The loss of the LYDIA ANN is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s tragic end, along with the loss of Thomas Vance and his son Arthur, highlights the unpredictable and often perilous nature of maritime life during the 19th century. The story of the LYDIA ANN is etched into the maritime history of Oswego, reflecting both the bravery of her crew and the harsh realities of seafaring.
FUTURE EXPLORATION AND PRESERVATION #
The exact location of the wreck of the LYDIA ANN near Stony Point is not well-documented, and it is unclear if any remnants of the vessel remain. If located, the site could offer valuable insights into the construction of schooners and the challenges of Great Lakes navigation. Preservation efforts should focus on protecting the site and documenting any artifacts or remains for historical research.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for detailed records and narratives related to shipwrecks like the LYDIA ANN.
- Oswego Historical Society: An organization that may hold additional records or accounts related to the LYDIA ANN and other maritime incidents in the region.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: An organization dedicated to preserving and exploring shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
