Shotline Diving

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Abbie L. Andrews US 105224/C 122637

Explore the history of the Abbie L. Andrews, a wooden schooner that served the Great Lakes from 1873 until its scrapping in 1938.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Abbie L. Andrews
  • Type: Wooden Schooner (three-masted)
  • Year Built: 1873
  • Builder: Bailey Brothers
  • Dimensions: Length: 136.1 ft (41.47 m); Beam: 26.1 ft (7.96 m); Depth: 10 ft (3.05 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 278.28 tons
  • Location: Cobourg, Ontario, Lake Ontario
  • Official Number: U.S.: 105224 Canada: C122637
  • Original Owners: Andrews & Boland, Buffalo, NY
  • Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Abbie L. Andrews was a wooden-hulled, three-masted schooner, typical of its time and designed for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Built for durability, the vessel underwent several modifications during its service life, including adjustments to its rigging, such as housing the topmasts and shortening the jibboom, to improve handling and performance.

Description

Constructed in 1873 in Toledo, Ohio, by the Bailey Brothers, the Abbie L. Andrews began its life as a cargo vessel under the ownership of Andrews & Boland of Buffalo, New York. It was built during the golden age of schooners, playing a vital role in commerce and transportation on the Great Lakes.

During its operational years, the vessel faced several challenges, including collisions with port infrastructure like elevators and encounters with rough weather on Lake Erie and Lake Superior. Despite these incidents, the schooner remained a steadfast presence on the lakes, adapting to changing conditions and demands.

In 1907, the Abbie L. Andrews transitioned to Canadian ownership and was registered under a new Canadian official number (C122637). The vessel continued its operations under Canadian control for another three decades, reflecting its robust construction and adaptability.

By 1920, the schooner was laid up in the Kingston inner harbour graveyard, effectively ending its operational career. It remained there for years until it was relocated to Cobourg, Ontario, in 1937, where it was ultimately dismantled and scrapped in 1938.

History

The Abbie L. Andrews was scrapped in 1938 after being relocated to Cobourg, Ontario. Its remains were dismantled and disposed of, marking the final chapter of a long and eventful career on the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

  • No significant incidents reported that led to loss of the vessel.

Final Disposition

The Abbie L. Andrews was scrapped in 1938 after being relocated to Cobourg, Ontario. Its remains were dismantled and disposed of, marking the final chapter of a long and eventful career on the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Abbie L. Andrews no longer exists as a physical wreck. Any remnants of the vessel would have been destroyed during its scrapping in 1938, leaving no site for exploration or diving.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Abbie L. Andrews stands as a testament to the era of schooner sailing ships that powered commerce across the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1873 to its scrapping in 1938, the vessel witnessed a transformative period in maritime history, bridging the age of sail and the rise of steam power. Though no physical remains endure, its legacy highlights the resilience and importance of schooners in the economic development of the Great Lakes region.