IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The American Champion was a scow schooner, a type of vessel characterized by its flat-bottomed hull, which made it particularly useful for navigating shallow waters and carrying heavy loads such as timber. Scow schooners were a common sight on the Great Lakes in the 19th century, known for their sturdy construction and ability to transport large quantities of cargo efficiently.
HISTORY #
The American Champion was built in 1866 by H. Baker in Trenton, Michigan, and was owned by P. Gilcher & Co., with Captain James Jackson serving as its commander. The vessel played a crucial role in the transportation of wood and other goods across the Great Lakes, often navigating the challenging waters of Lake Erie.
On the night of October 2, 1875, the American Champion faced a devastating gale while anchored near Leamington, Ontario. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the scow dragged its anchors and was driven ashore. The crew, consisting of Captain Jackson and seven men, endured a harrowing 12 hours lashed to the rigging, exposed to the freezing winds and pounding waves.
Their ordeal was finally ended when a courageous widow, Mrs. Augustus Taylor, and her two sons, Hobert and George, braved the storm to rescue them. The crew was brought ashore, but the American Champion had been irreparably damaged by the storm. The vessel, valued at $8,000 and lightly insured, was eventually broken up and abandoned as a total loss.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The American Champion was declared a total loss after being driven ashore and damaged beyond repair by the storm on October 2, 1875. Salvage efforts recovered some equipment, but the majority of the wreck remained scattered along the beach near Leamington, Ontario.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the American Champion was discovered in the aftermath of the storm, with its remains strewn along the beach near Leamington, Ontario. No specific modern discovery of the wreck is documented.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck of the American Champion. The location is known historically but may not pose a significant navigational hazard today.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
CONCLUSION #
The American Champion‘s story is a dramatic reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The heroic rescue by Mrs. Augustus Taylor and her sons is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who lived and worked along these waterways. Although the vessel was lost, its legacy lives on in the history of Lake Erie shipwrecks.
Keywords #
American Champion, scow schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, Leamington Ontario, 19th-century maritime history, Great Lakes shipping, storm wreck, schooner rescue, P. Gilcher & Co., Captain James Jackson.
