Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Agate was a small, single-mast sloop vessel with a wooden hull, typical of mid-19th century construction. Sloops were commonly used for short-haul cargo transport and coastal trade on the Great Lakes, known for their simplicity and ease of handling. The Agate was built in Buffalo, New York, and featured a decorative figurehead, adding a touch of craftsmanship to its otherwise utilitarian design. With a length of 40 feet and a modest beam of 13 feet, the Agate was a relatively small vessel, primarily used for carrying cargo like wheat and flour across the Great Lakes.
History #
The Agate had a somewhat eventful service life, marked by multiple incidents before its final loss. Built in 1850 in Buffalo, New York, the vessel was initially owned by Robert A. Richardson of Detroit, Michigan. The sloop was constructed with a wooden hull and was equipped with one deck and one mast. Despite its small size, the Agate played a crucial role in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, particularly in the mid-19th century when such vessels were essential for regional trade.
The vessel experienced its first major incident in November 1851, when it ran aground in Misery Bay, Michigan, on Lake Superior. The damage was significant enough that the vessel was abandoned to insurers. However, it was later recovered and re-enrolled in Detroit, Michigan, under the ownership of Samuel F. Leopold in April 1851. Ownership changed again in 1855, when Henry F. Todd of Mackinac acquired the vessel.
The Agate’s final voyage occurred on November 27, 1857. The vessel was carrying a cargo of wheat and flour when it was caught in a severe storm near Presque Isle Point, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The storm drove the Agate ashore, where it ultimately broke apart and was lost. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities in this incident. The loss of the vessel was a significant blow to its owners, with the property loss estimated at $1,000—a substantial amount at the time.
The loss of the Agate was reported in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser on January 28, 1858, highlighting the risks and dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during that era.
Final Disposition #
The Agate was driven ashore during a storm on November 27, 1857, near Presque Isle Point, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The vessel broke up as a result of the storm and was declared a total loss. The cargo of wheat and flour was lost along with the vessel, but no lives were reported lost.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no specific advisories or Notices to Mariners related to the wreck of the Agate. The exact location of the wreck has not been formally surveyed or documented.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: No formal discovery or underwater survey has been recorded for the wreck of the Agate.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Maritime History
Conclusion #
The Agate serves as a testament to the many small, hard-working vessels that plied the Great Lakes in the 19th century, transporting essential goods across the region. Despite its modest size, the Agate was a vital part of the maritime trade network, enduring multiple incidents before its final loss in 1857. The story of the Agate reflects the challenges faced by mariners of the era and adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Keywords: #
- Agate
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Lake Huron Shipwrecks
- Sloop Vessel
- 19th Century Shipwrecks
- Presque Isle Point
This report continues the effort to build a comprehensive and detailed database of shipwrecks and dive sites in the Great Lakes region, preserving the history of vessels like the Agate for future generations of historians and divers.
