IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The John J. Audubon was a brig, a type of two-masted sailing vessel with square sails on both masts. Brigs were commonly used in the mid-19th century for carrying cargo on the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic coast. Known for their speed and maneuverability, brigs like the John J. Audubon played a significant role in the maritime trade during this era. The John J. Audubon was noted for its excellent handling and was considered a model vessel of its time.
HISTORY #
The John J. Audubon was built in Black River, Ohio, and launched in April 1854. It was owned by Rufus Winslow, a prominent Cleveland businessman. The brig was commanded by Captain Henry Gadsden, who was responsible for overseeing its operations on the Great Lakes.
Upon its arrival in Cleveland on its maiden voyage, the John J. Audubon quickly earned a reputation for being a well-crafted vessel with excellent handling capabilities. The brig was praised for its model design, which made it not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The construction of the vessel was seen as a good investment for its owner, with the total cost amounting to $14,000—a significant sum at the time.
Brigs like the John J. Audubon were vital to the economy of the Great Lakes region, as they were used to transport a variety of goods, including timber, grain, and other commodities. The John J. Audubon‘s early success indicated that it would be a profitable asset for its owner, contributing to the thriving maritime trade in the mid-19th century.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
There is no specific record of the final disposition of the John J. Audubon. It likely continued to operate on the Great Lakes for several years, contributing to the bustling maritime trade until its eventual retirement or loss, which was common for vessels of that era due to the harsh conditions on the lakes.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The location of the John J. Audubon‘s wreck, if it ever sank, is not documented in the available records.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are documented for the John J. Audubon.
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 John J. Audubon represents a notable example of mid-19th century shipbuilding and maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Its construction, at a cost of $14,000, reflects the significant investment made by its owner, Rufus Winslow, in the region’s burgeoning maritime industry. While the specific details of its later years are not documented, the brig’s early success suggests it played a valuable role in the commerce of the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS #
- John J. Audubon brig
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Cleveland shipbuilding
- 1854 brig launch
- Rufus Winslow Cleveland
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION #
Further research into shipping records, local archives, and maritime history resources could provide more detailed information about the later years of the John J. Audubon and its eventual fate. Understanding the full history of such vessels contributes to the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping and the development of the region’s economy during the 19th century.
