IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Defiance was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners like the Defiance were typically rigged with two or more masts and were primarily used for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, and lumber across the Great Lakes. The Defiance was relatively large for its time, with a length of 115 feet and a tonnage of 250 tons, making it well-suited for long-distance trade routes between major ports like Chicago, Detroit, and Buffalo.
HISTORY #
Launched in 1848 at Maumee, Ohio, the Defiance was built for the Maumee River trade by Captain Roby and the firm of Roby & Thompson. The vessel was enrolled in the Miami District of Ohio, where it served as a reliable freighter, transporting goods along the Great Lakes.
The Defiance experienced several significant incidents before its final voyage. In December 1849, it caught fire at Perrysburg, Pennsylvania, resulting in damage to its cabin and interior, though the hull remained intact. Despite this setback, the vessel continued to operate, and in October 1853, it ran aground on Hog Island in the Detroit River while carrying a cargo of grain.
The schooner’s final voyage began in Chicago, Illinois, bound for Buffalo, New York, with a cargo of wheat. On October 20, 1854, while navigating Lake Huron, the Defiance collided with the brig J.J. Audubon near Middle Island, roughly halfway between Presque Isle and Thunder Bay Island. Both vessels were heavily laden, the Defiance with grain and the Audubon with railroad iron. The collision occurred in deep water, and both ships sank as a result.
Fortunately, the crews of both vessels were rescued by other ships in the area, but the Defiance and the Audubon were lost, resulting in a combined property loss of $60,000—a significant sum at the time.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the Defiance lay undiscovered for over a century until it was found in 1996 by Captain Ed Ellison. The vessel rests on the lakebed near Middle Island, where it sank following the collision with the J.J. Audubon. The wreck is a significant historical site, marking one of the many maritime tragedies that occurred on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Located by: Captain Ed Ellison
- Date of Discovery: 1996
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are documented for the Defiance wreck site. However, the wreck’s location should be considered when navigating near Middle Island, given the potential hazards associated with submerged wrecks.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- NOAA Office of Coast Survey Wrecks and Obstructions Database: NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Check 3D Shipwrecks for potential 3D models or additional data.
- Great Lakes Maritime Database: Great Lakes Ships
CONCLUSION #
The Defiance represents a significant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, serving as a reminder of the dangers faced by early mariners. The collision with the J.J. Audubon and the subsequent loss of both vessels highlight the perils of 19th-century navigation, where unpredictable weather, human error, and limited technology often led to tragic outcomes.
KEYWORDS #
- Defiance schooner
- Great Lakes shipwreck
- Lake Huron maritime history
- 19th-century ship collisions
- Middle Island shipwrecks
- Captain Ed Ellison shipwreck discovery
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION #
Further research into local archives, shipping records, and historical newspapers could provide more detailed information about the circumstances of the collision and the eventual discovery of the wreck. This wreck site is an essential part of the broader narrative of Great Lakes maritime history and offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by sailors during that era.
