IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Annandale was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel that played a crucial role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were known for their speed, versatility, and ability to handle the often unpredictable and harsh weather conditions that characterized the Great Lakes. The Annandale was no exception, embodying the resilience and reliability that made schooners a preferred choice for traders and transporters of the time. With a length of 111.8 feet and a tonnage of 180, the Annandale was a robust vessel, designed to carry significant cargoes across the vast waters of the lakes. The ship’s construction and subsequent rebuilds underscored its owners’ commitment to maintaining its seaworthiness, ensuring it remained operational through the many challenges posed by lake transport.
Launched in 1868 from the shipyards of Kingston, Ontario, the Annandale began its service as a sturdy and dependable schooner on the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes. Kingston, a prominent shipbuilding hub at the time, produced many vessels that would go on to play significant roles in the region’s maritime commerce, and the Annandale was among these noteworthy ships. The vessel was initially owned by George Irving of Burlington, Ontario, a testament to the ship’s expected contribution to the region’s thriving trade network. Over its years of service, the Annandale changed ownership multiple times, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce during that era.
The vessel’s ownership shifted to American hands for a brief period before it returned to Canadian ownership. By 1871, the Annandale was owned by Peter Mowat and others from Ernestown, Ontario, with Mowat becoming the sole owner by 1878. Mowat’s commitment to the Annandale was evident in the various rebuilds the vessel underwent, which were necessary to keep it in serviceable condition amidst the wear and tear of regular use on the Great Lakes. These rebuilds not only extended the life of the Annandale but also highlighted its value to its owners, who saw the ship as a vital asset in their commercial endeavors.
Throughout its operational life, the Annandale was a workhorse on the Great Lakes, engaging in the transportation of goods that were essential to the economic vitality of lakeside communities. The schooner carried various cargoes, likely including timber, grain, and other commodities that were in high demand. The vessel’s long service history and the numerous hands through which it passed are a testament to its importance in the maritime industry of the Great Lakes. The Annandale‘s ability to endure through multiple rebuilds and ownership changes underscores the critical role it played in the economic development of the region during the late 19th century.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The long career of the Annandale came to a tragic end on October 3, 1905, when the schooner stranded and wrecked on Charity Shoal, near Sackett’s Harbor, New York, in Lake Ontario. The vessel was navigating through fog when it encountered a storm, leading to its final demise. This incident was not the schooner’s first encounter with disaster; in 1889, the Annandale had been wrecked at Port Credit and subsequently rebuilt. However, the severe conditions on that fateful October day in 1905 proved insurmountable, marking the end of the Annandale‘s service on the Great Lakes.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
Located by: The wreck was documented shortly after the incident in 1905.
Date of Discovery: The Annandale was confirmed wrecked on October 3, 1905.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Annandale wreck site. Charity Shoal remains a navigational hazard, as evidenced by the Annandale‘s wreck, and mariners are advised to navigate with caution in this area.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Annandale likely deteriorated rapidly due to the exposure to harsh lake conditions at Charity Shoal. The precise location and current condition of the wreck are not well-documented in modern records, and it remains an area of interest for divers and maritime historians.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Newspapers:
- Books:
- Marine Disasters on the Western Lakes during 1869 by Capt. J.W. Hall
- List of Vessels on the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada, December 31, 1902
- Historical Notes:
CONCLUSION #
The Annandale was a significant vessel that served the Great Lakes for nearly four decades, reflecting the resilience and importance of schooners in the region’s maritime history. Despite its ultimate loss on Charity Shoal, the Annandale‘s long service life, multiple rebuilds, and the determination of its various owners underscore its value in the economic and cultural fabric of the Great Lakes. The vessel’s final wreck serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by mariners in the region and the unforgiving nature of the Great Lakes.
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