Andover (1844)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Andover
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1844
• Builder: Not documented (likely local shipwright)
• Dimensions: Length: 98 ft (29.9 m); Beam: 24 ft (7.3 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 190.54 tons
• Location: Pte aux Barques Reef, Lake Huron
• Original Owners: Elon W. Hudson of Detroit, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Andover was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type during the mid-19th century. Schooners were known for their versatility and efficiency, used extensively for the transportation of bulk goods like lumber, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. The Andover‘s size and design were well-suited to the demands of commerce on the inland seas.

Description

The Andover was built in 1844 in Black River, Ohio, and was initially enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio. Later in its operational life, it was enrolled in Oswego, New York, reflecting the regional trade routes it serviced on the Great Lakes. Owned by Elon W. Hudson of Detroit, Michigan, the schooner primarily transported cargo between major ports.

History

Early Service: The Andover was built in 1844 in Black River, Ohio, and was initially enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio. Later in its operational life, it was enrolled in Oswego, New York, reflecting the regional trade routes it serviced on the Great Lakes. Owned by Elon W. Hudson of Detroit, Michigan, the schooner primarily transported cargo between major ports.

Notable Incidents:

Hen & Chicks Incident (May 1856): The Andover sustained heavy damage when it ran aground on the Hen & Chicks shoals in Lake Erie. The circumstances of the grounding remain unclear, but the vessel was successfully recovered and returned to service.

Anchor Loss near Long Point (October 1858): During a voyage, the schooner lost its anchors and chains after being struck by the steamer Swan. The collision forced the Andover to head for Buffalo, New York, for repairs.

Final Incident: On June 16, 1861, the Andover was wrecked on Pte aux Barques Reef in Lake Huron. Despite extensive efforts, including the assistance of the tug Zouave, the vessel could not be freed from the reef. As a result, it was stripped of valuable equipment and abandoned. At the time of the incident, the Andover was carrying a cargo of lumber, which was likely lost or salvaged during the wreck.

Significant Incidents

• The Andover sustained heavy damage when it ran aground on the Hen & Chicks shoals in Lake Erie in May 1856.
• Lost anchors and chains after being struck by the steamer Swan in October 1858.
• Wrecked on Pte aux Barques Reef in Lake Huron on June 16, 1861.

Final Disposition

The Andover was declared a total loss after its grounding on Pte aux Barques Reef. Although it was stripped and abandoned in 1861, historical records suggest that there may have been an attempt to recover the vessel in later years, though the details of such efforts remain speculative.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Andover is unknown. Given the passage of time, it is likely that the wooden structure has significantly deteriorated or been buried under sediment. The site has not been identified as a diving or exploration location.

Resources & Links

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The Andover‘s history highlights the challenges faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite a service life marked by resilience and recovery from multiple incidents, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the treacherous waters of Lake Huron. Its story serves as a reminder of the perils of maritime trade in an era before modern navigation technology.