Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The Ann Jane Brown was a wooden schooner, a common type of vessel in the mid-19th century used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners were characterized by their two or more masts with fore-and-aft rigged sails, providing them with the speed and agility necessary to navigate the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. The Ann Jane Brown served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, carrying valuable merchandise and enduring several significant incidents over its operational life.
History The Ann Jane Brown was built in 1842 in Port Hope, Ontario, by Marsh & Co. The schooner had a gross tonnage of 99 tons and was under the command of Captain Thomas Slight. Throughout its service, the vessel was involved in several noteworthy incidents.
One of the earliest recorded incidents occurred on May 30, 1845, when the Ann Jane Brown capsized off Point Aux Barques. Despite this early setback, the vessel was rebuilt in 1853 at Port Hope, where it underwent significant repairs and modifications. Following its rebuild, the schooner continued to serve on the Great Lakes, now with two masts and the same tonnage of 99 tons.
Another incident occurred in 1854 when the Ann Jane Brown went ashore at Wicked Point. Details of this event are scarce, but it is clear that the vessel endured multiple hardships during its operational life.
The most tragic event in the history of the Ann Jane Brown occurred on December 13, 1856 (though some sources cite November 1856). While sailing on Lake Ontario, the schooner encountered a severe blizzard and gale. The vessel struck a reef approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, and was reported as a total wreck. The incident claimed the lives of two crew members, including Captain Thomas Slight and First Mate George Campbell. At the time of the wreck, the Ann Jane Brown was carrying a full cargo of valuable merchandise, though the specifics of the cargo are not detailed in available records.
Salvage efforts were made in the hopes of saving the wrecked vessel, but the outcome of these attempts remains unclear. The Ann Jane Brown was likely named after a family member of one of its owners, William Marsh of Port Britain, near Port Hope, possibly his sister or niece, who was connected to J.G. Brown, a part-owner of the schooner.
Final Disposition The Ann Jane Brown was wrecked in December 1856 during a blizzard and gale on Lake Ontario. The vessel struck a reef southeast of Picton, Ontario, and was declared a total loss. Despite salvage efforts, the schooner could not be saved, and it was ultimately lost, along with two crew members.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically concerning the wreck of the Ann Jane Brown. The wreck site is not marked and remains largely unexplored.
Located By & Date The exact location of the wreck has not been precisely documented, but it is known to be approximately 10 miles southeast of Picton, Ontario, in Lake Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility The wreck of the Ann Jane Brown is presumed to be scattered and in poor condition due to the nature of its loss and the passage of time. The site is not well-documented and is likely accessible only to experienced divers with knowledge of historical wreck sites in Lake Ontario.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels, including the Ann Jane Brown.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, including the Ann Jane Brown.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the Ann Jane Brown.
Keywords Ann Jane Brown, A.J. Brown, Ann J. Brown, schooner, Picton, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, blizzard, Great Lakes, maritime history
Analysis The Ann Jane Brown‘s history is marked by a series of significant maritime events, reflecting both the challenges and the resilience of schooners operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built in 1842, the vessel served for over a decade before experiencing multiple incidents, including a capsizing and a grounding. Despite these challenges, the schooner was rebuilt and continued to operate until its tragic loss in 1856 during a fierce blizzard on Lake Ontario. The loss of the Ann Jane Brown and its crew members highlights the perilous conditions faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather could quickly turn a routine voyage into a disaster. The vessel’s connection to prominent local families and its name’s possible origin add a personal dimension to its history, making it a poignant example of the human stories behind maritime commerce in the region. While the wreck remains largely unexplored, the Ann Jane Brown continues to be a part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
