Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The JOHN J. AUDUBON was a wooden two-masted brig, a sailing vessel with square-rigged sails on both masts. Brigs were commonly used for cargo transportation across the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. The AUDUBON was specifically designed for carrying bulk goods, such as railroad iron, which it was transporting at the time of its sinking.
History #
The JOHN J. AUDUBON embarked on its ill-fated voyage from Buffalo, New York, bound for Chicago, Illinois, in October 1854. The vessel was under the command of Captain Henry Gadsden and was owned by Merrick & Pierce of Clayton, New York. The brig was laden with a valuable cargo of railroad iron, essential for the burgeoning railway industry in the United States.
On the night of October 20, 1854, the AUDUBON was navigating through Lake Huron when disaster struck. The vessel collided with the schooner DEFIANCE in the dark waters between Thunder Bay Island and Presque Isle, Michigan. The collision was severe, with the DEFIANCE striking the AUDUBON nearly amidships, almost cutting the brig in half. The impact caused both vessels to sink rapidly.
Despite the severity of the collision and the sudden sinking, there were no reported fatalities among the crew members of either vessel. This outcome was particularly fortunate given the conditions, which may have included fog, as some historical accounts suggest.
The loss of the JOHN J. AUDUBON highlights the perils of maritime navigation in the 19th century, where poor visibility, navigational errors, and adverse weather conditions frequently led to accidents and the loss of vessels. The AUDUBON’s sinking was one of many such incidents that underscored the need for improved safety measures and navigational aids on the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition #
The JOHN J. AUDUBON, along with its cargo of railroad iron, now rests at the bottom of Lake Huron. The exact location of the wreck has not been widely documented, but it lies somewhere between Thunder Bay Island and Presque Isle, Michigan, where it sank after the collision.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the JOHN J. AUDUBON wreck site. The location has not been identified as a navigational hazard in contemporary records.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck has not been officially located or documented in modern times. Its precise resting place in Lake Huron remains undetermined.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The sinking of the JOHN J. AUDUBON is a poignant example of the dangers faced by 19th-century sailors on the Great Lakes. The collision with the DEFIANCE, leading to the rapid loss of both vessels, serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of wooden ships to such accidents, especially in challenging conditions like those on Lake Huron. While the wreck of the AUDUBON remains undiscovered, its story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on the Great Lakes.
Keywords: #
- JOHN J. AUDUBON
- 19th Century Shipwreck
- Lake Huron
- Thunder Bay Island
- Schooner Collision
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- Railroad Iron Cargo
- Merrick & Pierce
- Captain Henry Gadsden
The JOHN J. AUDUBON’s legacy endures as part of the ongoing effort to understand and document the many shipwrecks that lie beneath the waters of the Great Lakes, each with its own story of adventure, tragedy, and survival.
