IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The GIPSY was a small schooner, typical of the versatile workboats that were indispensable to maritime commerce on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River during the 19th century. Built in 1859 in Sodus, New York, the GIPSY likely engaged in various activities, such as transporting goods between ports, fishing, and other commercial enterprises. Schooners of this size were valued for their maneuverability and ability to navigate the inland waterways that characterized the Great Lakes region.
HISTORY #
The GIPSY had an active operational life, reflective of the dynamic nature of maritime trade in the 19th century. With a gross tonnage of 33 tons, the GIPSY was relatively small, indicating that it was designed for lighter loads or specific tasks that required agility and ease of navigation. Over its years of service, the GIPSY transported various goods between smaller ports and larger urban centers, contributing to the economic development of the Great Lakes region.
Like many vessels of its era, the GIPSY underwent several rebuilds and changes in ownership, a common occurrence as ships aged and market demands shifted. Despite the frequent challenges of navigating the often harsh waters of the Great Lakes, the GIPSY managed to remain in service for over a decade before encountering significant trouble.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On October 20, 1873, the GIPSY was caught in a fierce gale that also claimed the schooner POWHATTAN. The storm drove the GIPSY ashore near Cape Vincent, New York. Fortunately, the schooner was light at the time, meaning it was not carrying any cargo, which likely mitigated the potential damage. However, the force of the storm was still sufficient to ground the vessel, causing significant distress to its owners.
Unlike the more dramatic sinking of the POWHATTAN, the GIPSY’s grounding was less catastrophic but still underscored the dangers of operating on the Great Lakes. The costs associated with refloating and repairing the schooner would have added to the financial burdens of its owners, a common issue for ship operators of the time.
LEGACY #
The GIPSY is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of 19th-century vessels and their crews. The schooner’s history exemplifies the challenges faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and rough waters were constant threats. The 1873 gale serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime trade, particularly for smaller vessels like the GIPSY.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The exact current condition and location of the GIPSY’s remains are not well-documented. However, the incident near Cape Vincent likely left parts of the vessel scattered along the shore. The shallow grounding may have allowed the schooner to be refloated and repaired, or it could have led to its eventual abandonment, depending on the extent of the damage.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the GIPSY.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A website providing detailed records and historical accounts related to Great Lakes vessels.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: An online resource that archives information about shipwrecks and maritime incidents on the Great Lakes.
CONCLUSION #
The story of the GIPSY is a reminder of the everyday challenges faced by maritime traders on the Great Lakes. While not as famous or dramatic as other shipwrecks, the GIPSY’s history contributes to our understanding of the resilience required to operate small vessels in a region known for its unpredictable and often violent weather conditions. The legacy of the GIPSY, like many other schooners of its time, is one of perseverance in the face of constant adversity.
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GIPSY, Schooner, Shipwreck, Cape Vincent, St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes, Maritime History, 19th Century Shipping, Gale of 1873
