IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Amity was a wooden sidewheel propeller ship, commonly referred to as a “pollywog” due to its design. These vessels were integral to Great Lakes commerce during the mid-19th century, known for their distinctive side-mounted paddle wheels and robust construction. The Amity’s sidewheel propulsion allowed it to navigate the often unpredictable waters of Lake Erie with relative ease, serving primarily as a steamer for passenger and cargo transport.
HISTORY: #
Launched on July 12, 1856, the Amity was initially owned by G. Thomas & A. McKellar before being acquired by Messrs. Eberts of Chatham in 1860. The vessel operated between Montreal and Chatham, contributing to the bustling trade routes of the time. By October 1864, the Amity was a decade into service, carrying a cargo of staves bound for Windsor, Ontario.
On that fateful day, the vessel encountered a fierce storm on Lake Erie. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the Amity was driven off course and stranded near Long Point, Ontario. The storm’s relentless waves overwhelmed the vessel, leading to its destruction. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the Amity’s career was brought to an abrupt and tragic end.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The wreck of the Amity marked the end of its service as a sidewheel steamer. The vessel was shattered by the storm, and its remains were left to the mercy of Lake Erie’s depths. The exact condition and location of the wreck today remain undocumented, but the site is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by ships navigating these waters.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Amity. The wreck’s location near Long Point, Ontario, may still be of interest to divers and historians, although detailed explorations are limited.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The specific discovery details of the Amity’s wreck are not documented. The site is near Long Point, Ontario, where the vessel was last reported before its tragic demise.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck’s current condition is unknown, though it is likely to be in a deteriorated state due to the passage of time. Accessibility for diving or research purposes is not well documented, and further exploration may be required to determine the wreck’s exact status.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the State of the Finances
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #SidewheelPropeller
- #Pollywog
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
Conclusion: #
The Amity was a vessel of its time, embodying the resilience and determination of those who sailed the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Its demise near Long Point, Ontario, during a storm in 1864 serves as a powerful reminder of the forces of nature that can bring even the most formidable ships to their knees. While the wreck itself remains largely unexplored, the Amity’s story continues to captivate historians and maritime enthusiasts alike, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of Great Lakes navigation.
