Early Incidents: The schooner ALICE had a tumultuous history on Lake Ontario, marked by several significant incidents that underscore the dangers of maritime navigation in the mid-19th century. The first recorded mishap involving the ALICE occurred in January 1859. At the time, the vessel was transporting a cargo of staves when it encountered a sudden and violent squall off Long Point on Lake Ontario. The severe weather caused the schooner to capsize, resulting in the total loss of both the vessel and its cargo.
The property loss from this incident was estimated at $1,800—a considerable sum at the time. The event was documented in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser on January 15, 1859, as part of the 1858 Casualty List, which chronicled the various maritime disasters of the year.
Final Tragedy: Fifteen years later, in September 1874, the ALICE met its final and most devastating fate. The schooner was wrecked near Pultneyville on Lake Ontario, suffering a total loss. The property loss from this incident was substantial, amounting to $4,500. This tragic event was reported in the Casualty List for 1874, published in the Chicago Inter-Ocean on December 25, 1874.
While specific details surrounding the wreck in 1874 are scarce, the repeated misfortunes of the ALICE highlight the inherent dangers faced by vessels navigating the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The schooner’s history is a testament to the challenges of maritime commerce during that era, where weather conditions could swiftly turn treacherous, leading to disastrous outcomes.
LEGACY AND SIGNIFICANCE #
The repeated losses suffered by the ALICE illustrate the risks and uncertainties that were a constant part of life on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Schooners like the ALICE were essential to the economy, transporting goods such as lumber, staves, and other materials across the inland waterways. However, these vessels were also at the mercy of the elements, with unpredictable weather patterns often leading to tragedy.
The loss of the ALICE and its cargo would have had significant economic and emotional consequences for its owners, crew, and their families. Such incidents were not uncommon during this period, and they serve as a reminder of the harsh realities of maritime trade and the resilience required by those who made their living on the water.
The stories of vessels like the ALICE are crucial to understanding the broader history of the Great Lakes and the development of commerce in the region. They also highlight the importance of advancements in weather forecasting and navigational technologies that have since made maritime travel safer.
EXTERNAL LINKS & RESOURCES #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- A comprehensive resource detailing the history of vessels on the Great Lakes, including records of the ALICE.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
