Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description: #
The Ann Maud was a wooden schooner, a common type of vessel used in the mid-19th century for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Ann Maud were prized for their ability to navigate the often-turbulent waters of the lakes, leveraging the power of the wind in their sails. The vessel had a tonnage of 93 tons, indicating it was a relatively small schooner by the standards of the time. Built in 1855 by James Connacher in Port Hope, Ontario, it was initially owned by D. Elliott, also from Port Hope.
History: #
The Ann Maud had a relatively short but eventful operational history. Launched in 1855, it served as a cargo vessel on Lake Ontario, transporting goods such as grains and peas between ports. Like many vessels of its time, the Ann Maudfaced the constant threat of severe weather, which ultimately led to its demise.
In late October or early November of 1865, the Ann Maud was caught in a severe storm while carrying a cargo of 15,000 bushels of peas. The storm drove the schooner ashore at Wellington, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The force of the grounding caused significant damage to the vessel, leading it to be declared a total loss.
The wreck of the Ann Maud did not result in any reported loss of life, which was a fortunate outcome considering the dangerous circumstances. However, the vessel itself was abandoned and left to the elements, marking the end of its career on the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition: #
Following the storm and subsequent wreck, the Ann Maud was left stranded on the shore near Wellington, Ontario. There are no further records of attempts to salvage the vessel, and it is assumed that the remains gradually deteriorated or were repurposed over time. The schooner was not registered after the wreck, effectively ending its documented history.
Interestingly, there is speculation that the Ann Maud may have been rebuilt or succeeded by another vessel. The schooner Octavia, built in Cramahe in 1866, had a similar tonnage of 95 tons, leading some to suggest a possible connection. However, this remains speculative, as there is no definitive evidence linking the two vessels.
Current Condition & Accessibility: #
The exact location of the wreck of the Ann Maud is not well-documented, and it is unclear whether any remnants of the vessel are still visible or accessible today. Given the passage of time and the nature of wooden shipwrecks, it is likely that little remains of the schooner.
Resources & Links: #
Keywords: #
Schooner, Lake Ontario, Shipwreck, Wellington, Great Lakes, Maritime History, Ann Maud, Anna Maud, Annie Maud, Storm Wreck, 19th Century Navigation
Analysis: #
The Ann Maud is a classic example of the numerous small schooners that played a vital role in the economic life of the Great Lakes region during the 19th century. The vessel’s loss in 1865 underscores the constant dangers faced by mariners of the time, particularly the unpredictability of weather on the Great Lakes. Although the Ann Maud may not be well-remembered today, its story is a small yet significant part of the broader maritime history of the region. The possibility of its connection to the schooner Octavia adds an intriguing element to its legacy, hinting at the practices of rebuilding and repurposing vessels that were common in the era.
