Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cygnet
- Type: Wooden scow schooner
- Year Built: 1854
- Builder: Edwin Poole
- Dimensions: 82 ft (25 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~95.75 GRT
- Location: Undetermined (open Lake Huron/Lake Michigan)
- Original Owners: Edwin Poole, J. Morrison, E. Gongon, T. W. Green, among others
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden scow schooner, a flat-bottom cargo vessel designed for transporting goods.
Description
Description
The Cygnet was a wooden scow schooner built in 1854 by Edwin Poole in Algonac, Michigan. It measured 82 feet in length and had a gross registered tonnage of approximately 95.75 GRT. The vessel was equipped with two masts.
History
History
The Cygnet had a tumultuous operational history, marked by several incidents. It was owned by J. Morrison in 1853 and enrolled in Detroit on October 20, 1854. The vessel was wrecked at Oswego, NY, on November 7, 1853, but was later repaired. On June 13, 1855, it collided with the steamer Western World near Buffalo, resulting in sinking, but it was subsequently raised. The Cygnet ran aground near Chicago twice between 1855 and 1857 and was likely refloated after grounding at Grand Haven, Lake Michigan, in November 1860. Ownership changed multiple times post-1860, with notable owners including Poole, Ree, Rogers, Hansen, Ferry, McNamara, Jackson, and Gongon. By 1865, it was recorded as 82.32 GRT and was owned by E. Gongon in Detroit. In 1866, it was reported as ‘lost at sea’ under the ownership of T. W. Green, presumed a total loss.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Wrecked at Oswego, NY, on November 7, 1853; later repaired.
- Collided with the steamer Western World near Buffalo on June 13, 1855; sunk but raised.
- Aground near Chicago twice between 1855 and 1857; freed both times.
- Aground at Grand Haven, Lake Michigan, in November 1860; likely refloated.
- Reported ‘lost at sea’ in 1866, presumed total loss.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Cygnet was declared a total loss in March 1866, with its location undetermined, likely lost at sea during a storm. No recovery or ashore wreckage has been documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the Cygnet is unknown, as it was lost at sea with no recovery efforts documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cygnet-1854″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The Cygnet experienced a rugged nine-year operational life across the upper Midwest, marked by groundings, recoveries, a mid-career collision, and regional ownership changes. Ultimately lost at sea in March 1866 under the ownership of T. W. Green, the vessel vanished without ashore wreckage or recovery. While no human loss is recorded, the event reflects the inherent risks faced by small wooden trading vessels of the era.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Construction & Design
- Built: 1854, Algonac, Michigan — by Edwin Poole
- Type: Wooden scow schooner (flat-bottom cargo vessel)
- Masts: Two
- Dimensions: 82′ L × 20′ B × 6.5′ D
- Tonnage: ~95.75 GRT (old measurement)
- Original Owner: Edwin Poole, Algonac, MI
Career Highlights & Incidents
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1853–1854 | Owned by J. Morrison in 1853; enrollment in Detroit (Oct 20, 1854) |
| Nov 7, 1853 | Wrecked at Oswego, NY — later repaired |
| Jun 13, 1855 | Collided with steamer Western World near Buffalo — sunk, but raised |
| Aug & Apr 1855–57 | Ashore and freed near Chicago twice |
| Nov 1860 | Aground at Grand Haven, Lake Michigan; likely refloated |
| Post-1860 | Several ownership changes (Poole, Ree, Rogers, Hansen, Ferry, McNamara, Jackson, Gongon) |
| 1865 | Recorded as 82.32 GRT |
| Mar 29, 1865 | Owned by E. Gongon, Detroit |
| 1866 | Owned by T. W. Green; reported “lost at sea” — presumed total loss |
Final Wreck
- Date: March 1866
- Location: Undetermined (open Lake Huron/Lake Michigan)
- Cause: Lost at sea — likely sunk in a storm rather than grounded, as no ashore record
- Outcome: Declared a total loss; no recovery documented
Archival Sources
- Drawn from the U.S. Enrollments and Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory — several owners and incidents documented
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry lists 1866 as year of loss, final owner T.W. Green, and “lost at sea” notation (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Research Gaps & Suggested Next Steps
- Newspaper Investigations: Search 1866 editions of Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, and Buffalo Courier for missing vessel notices, storm reports, and potential last sightings.
- Enrollment Records: Examine National Archives (Region 5) for T. W. Green’s enrollment documentation; master’s identity; coordinates or last voyage details.
- Underwriters’ Files: Board files may contain detailed loss descriptions submitted for insurance claims.
- Local Timber-Scow Trade Context: Useful to investigate Algonac or Detroit harbor logs for patterns of lost scow-schooners during that period—notably in March.
Conclusion
CYGNET experienced a rugged nine-year operational life across the upper Midwest: groundings and recoveries, a mid-career collision, and regional ownership changes. Ultimately lost at sea in March 1866 under the ownership of T. W. Green, the vessel vanished without ashore wreckage or recovery. While no human loss is recorded, the event reflects the inherent risks faced by small wooden trading vessels of the era.
cygnet-1854 1866-03-14 21:28:00