Site Identification & Information #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The JESSIE was a wooden-hulled, two-masted schooner constructed in 1855 by the renowned shipbuilder Louis Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. With a length of 122 feet, a beam of 25 feet, and a depth of 10.5 feet, the vessel had a tonnage of 312 (old style). The JESSIE was designed primarily for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, frequently carrying bulk goods such as wheat.
HISTORY: #
The schooner JESSIE had a storied and tumultuous history, marked by multiple significant incidents reflecting the hazardous conditions of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Shortly after its construction in 1855, the JESSIE was wrecked off Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan on October 24 of the same year. This early mishap was only the beginning of a series of unfortunate events.
- 1857: The JESSIE collided with the propeller Oliver Cromwell in the Straits of Mackinac, leading to the sinking of the Oliver Cromwell. The JESSIE sustained damage but managed to survive the incident.
- 1859: Another collision occurred with the schooner International in November, after which both vessels were towed by the tug Sprague at the flats.
- 1860: Ownership changed to P. Larkins of St. Catharines, Ontario, and the vessel underwent significant repairs in 1862.
- 1864: The schooner was again damaged during a gale on Lake Huron on October 6.
- 1866: It was owned by Batt & Sheppard of Port Stanley, Ontario, following further repairs.
- 1868: The JESSIE ran aground in Port Colborne, Lake Erie, in July, but was refloated and returned to service.
Final Voyage:
- On October 31, 1870, the JESSIE was wrecked on the north side of Salmon Point in Lake Ontario. The schooner, en route from Toronto to Kingston with a cargo of wheat, was driven ashore during a storm and completely wrecked, resulting in the tragic loss of all nine crew members.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The wreck of the JESSIE lies on the north side of Salmon Point in Lake Ontario, marking the tragic end of this vessel’s operational life. The wreck, likely in an advanced state of deterioration due to the passage of time, serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
Given that the JESSIE was wrecked in 1870, the site is expected to be in a state of significant disrepair, with most of the wooden structure likely deteriorated. The exact condition of the wreck is unknown as there are no recent reports or explorations of the site.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
- Great Lakes Wrecks Database: Provides records of various wrecks in the Great Lakes, including those near Salmon Point.
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library: Houses collections related to Great Lakes shipwrecks.
TAGS: #
- Type: Schooner
- Location: Lake Ontario, Salmon Point
- Depth: Shallow
- Year Built: 1855
- Year Sunk: 1870
- Purpose: Cargo transport
- Construction: Wooden, two-masted
ANALYSIS:
The history of the JESSIE is a microcosm of the challenges faced by maritime vessels during the 19th century on the Great Lakes. The repeated incidents, including collisions, groundings, and eventual wrecking, underscore the harsh realities of maritime navigation during that era. The frequent repairs and returns to service reflect the resilience of the vessel and the value placed on maritime commerce at the time. The tragic loss of the JESSIE and its crew off Salmon Point is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the Great Lakes shipping industry during this period, highlighting the need for advancements in shipbuilding and maritime safety practices.
