Construction and Early Service
The H.H. Brown was a barkentine, a type of vessel characterized by its three masts and a schooner rig on the foremast, making it a versatile ship for both cargo transport and navigation in the varied winds of the Great Lakes. The vessel was built in 1856 by shipbuilder J. Wolverton in Detroit, Michigan, for E.W. Hudson, a Detroit-based owner. With a length of 115.4 feet, a beam of 25.9 feet, and a depth of 9 feet, the H.H. Brown was a substantial vessel with a gross tonnage of 257 tons, primarily used for carrying lumber—a critical resource for the growing settlements and industries around the Great Lakes.
Mishaps and Maritime Incidents
The H.H. Brown had a service history marked by several significant maritime incidents. In July 1858, the vessel collided with the schooner Cuyahoga near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While the specifics of the damage are not detailed, such collisions were common on the busy waters of the Great Lakes, where numerous vessels plied their trade.
In September 1865, the H.H. Brown ran aground near Point Aux Barques, a notorious hazard on Lake Huron known for its dangerous shoals and frequent shipwrecks. The vessel managed to survive this incident, only to face another, more catastrophic event the following month.
Final Voyage and Wrecking
In October 1865, the H.H. Brown encountered a severe gale while navigating Lake Erie. The powerful storm drove the vessel ashore on Sandusky Bar, near Sandusky, Ohio. The grounding proved disastrous, and by October 28, 1865, the ship had largely disintegrated, marking the end of its service. The vessel, which had once been a vital link in the transportation of lumber across the Great Lakes, was now reduced to scattered debris.
Despite the severity of these incidents, there are no records of lives lost during the ship’s final wrecking or in any of its previous mishaps. This fortunate outcome highlights the resilience and skill of the crew who managed to navigate such a large vessel through the unpredictable and often treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes.
Legacy and Remembrance
The H.H. Brown’s story is a testament to the challenges faced by ships and their crews on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The vessel’s repeated encounters with danger, culminating in its final wrecking on Sandusky Bar, underscore the hazards of maritime navigation in this region. The disintegration of the H.H. Brown by the end of October 1865 marked the conclusion of its decade-long service on the Great Lakes, leaving behind a legacy of resilience in the face of adversity.
While the physical remains of the H.H. Brown have likely been scattered or buried beneath the sands of Lake Erie, the ship’s story lives on through historical records. Its multiple brushes with disaster and its ultimate demise serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of life on the Great Lakes during the age of sail.
Resources & Links
Keywords
H.H. Brown, barkentine, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Sandusky Bar, Detroit Michigan, Point Aux Barques, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, 19th-century shipping, shipwreck remembrance.
Ongoing Research & Monitoring
Further research into the H.H. Brown may uncover more details about its construction, ownership, and the specific circumstances of its final wrecking. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about the H.H. Brown is integrated into its historical narrative.
