IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Algerine was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type during the mid-19th century, characterized by its two-mast configuration. Schooners like the Algerine were designed for transporting cargoes such as iron ore across the Great Lakes. These vessels were known for their speed and agility, which made them ideal for both coastal and inland waterway navigation. The Algerine was considered a fine example of its type, reflecting the craftsmanship of the period and the importance of schooners in the Great Lakes’ maritime trade.
HISTORY #
The Algerine was constructed in 1856 by Andrew Miller in Oswego, New York. Throughout its operational life, the vessel underwent several ownership changes and repairs, a testament to its durability and the high demand for such ships on the Great Lakes. It served various owners, including Smith & Post, Lyons & Finney, Pelton of Cleveland, and later, J. Scott of Oswego.
On October 23, 1877, while en route from Ogdensburg, New York, to Detroit, Michigan, the Algerine was caught in a severe storm on Lake Erie. The vessel, carrying a cargo of iron ore, was driven ashore near Springfield, Pennsylvania, approximately 20 miles west of Erie. Despite the violent conditions, the crew managed to escape safely, and no lives were lost. The Algerine, however, was not as fortunate; it broke apart shortly after being wrecked.
At the time of its demise, the Algerine was one of the oldest vessels still in operation on the Great Lakes, having undergone significant repairs in 1876. The schooner was valued at $4,500 but was not insured, leading to a total financial loss for its owners. The wreck marked the end of the Algerine’s long service on the Great Lakes, where it had played a vital role in the transportation of goods across the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Algerine was wrecked and quickly broke apart near Springfield, Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie. The remains of the vessel were scattered along the beach, with little left to salvage. The schooner, which had served for 22 years, was lost without insurance coverage, resulting in a complete financial loss for its owners.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck occurred on October 23, 1877, during a storm that drove the Algerine ashore near Springfield, Pennsylvania. The site of the wreck has not been extensively documented, and the remains are likely buried or dispersed along the lakebed.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck site of the Algerine.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Link
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link
CONCLUSION #
The Algerine was a venerable schooner that served the Great Lakes for over two decades, navigating the often treacherous waters of the region. Its final voyage ended in tragedy, but the legacy of the Algerine remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Erie. The vessel’s story is a reminder of the risks faced by sailors and the important role schooners played in the economic development of the Great Lakes.
Keywords #
Algerine schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie maritime history, 19th-century schooner, Oswego shipbuilding, iron ore transportation, Springfield Pennsylvania wreck.
