The Madison was active during a period of intense maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Built before 1835, the ship was involved in transporting cargoes between the United States and Canada. However, like many ships of the time, it was lost in a storm near Oswego, New York, in 1835.

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Madison

• Other Names: None reported

• Type: Cargo Vessel (specific type undocumented, likely a Schooner or Brig based on the era and trade activity)

• Year Built: Prior to 1835

• Final Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

• Date of Loss: 1835

• Depth: Not documented

Vessel Type Description

The Madison was a cargo vessel active during a bustling era of maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Likely a wooden-hulled Schooner or Brig based on its trade role and the shipbuilding trends of the early 19th century, the Madison would have been a critical asset for transporting goods such as grain, timber, and other commodities between ports in the United States and Canada.

History

Service Life

The Madison was built before 1835, during a period of expanding commerce on the Great Lakes, fueled by the agricultural and industrial growth of the United States and Canada. The ship was an integral part of the cross-border trade network, connecting port cities and supporting the economic development of the region.

Final Voyage

In 1835, the Madison embarked on what would become its final journey, navigating the often-treacherous waters of Lake Ontario. Caught in a violent storm near Oswego, New York, the vessel succumbed to the harsh conditions, ultimately sinking. The specifics of the cargo, crew, and events leading up to the wreck are not well-documented, but the loss of the Madison aligns with the frequent hazards of Great Lakes navigation during the period, such as severe storms, limited navigational aids, and vulnerable wooden construction.

Final Disposition

The Madison was lost to a storm in 1835, its wreckage settling somewhere near Oswego, New York, in Lake Ontario. The site remains undocumented and is presumed to be in the moderate depths typical of the lake’s coastal regions near Oswego.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners associated with the Madison wreck site, and its exact location remains unknown. Mariners should navigate with standard caution in the general area.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Madison has not been officially located or surveyed. Its precise position remains a mystery, contributing to the lore of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to its age and presumed wooden construction, the Madison’s wreckage, if located, would likely be in poor condition, potentially buried under sediment or broken apart by over a century of underwater currents and ice activity. The unknown location precludes diving or research at this time.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records on early trade vessels and shipwrecks

• Oswego Maritime Foundation: Local maritime history and research into Lake Ontario shipwrecks

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks

Analysis

The Madison’s story is emblematic of the risks faced by vessels during the early 19th century on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable storms and limited technological aids often led to disaster. Its loss near Oswego, New York, underscores the significance of these inland seas as both vital trade routes and perilous waters. The mystery surrounding the Madison’s final resting place invites ongoing interest and potential future exploration.

Keywords

Madison, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 1835 storm, Great Lakes maritime history, Oswego, early 19th-century trade vessels.

Conclusion

The Madison represents an important chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, serving as a reminder of the intense economic activity and significant dangers of the era. Though lost to a storm in 1835, the vessel’s contribution to cross-border trade remains a testament to the resilience of early sailors and the enduring importance of Lake Ontario as a commercial and cultural waterway.