Shotline Diving

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Great Lakes Research Archive

Shotline Wreck Record

Gen. Tracy (Tracey)

Explore the wreck of the Gen. Tracy, an early U.S. Navy vessel lost in Lake Erie, significant for its military history and role in establishing American presence on the Great Lakes.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Gen. Tracy
  • Type: Armed snow
  • Year Built: 1802
  • Builder: River Rouge (Detroit, MI)
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 53 tons
  • Location: Off Fort Erie, Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: Not available
  • Official Number: None
  • Original Owners: Porter, Barton & Co of Black Rock, New York
  • Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Gen. Tracy is classified as an armed snow, a type of small, square-rigged ship.

Description

The Gen. Tracy was constructed in 1802 at River Rouge, near Detroit, Michigan. Weighing approximately 53 tons, this vessel was originally part of the U.S. Navy, likely serving during the early years of the War of 1812.

In its earlier years, the Gen. Tracy was involved in notable military history, playing a role in establishing the garrison at Fort Dearborn (now Chicago) in 1803, alongside other vessels that contributed to the formation of the early American presence on the Great Lakes. After its military service, the Gen. Tracy transitioned into civilian use as a private vessel.

History

By 1809 (or possibly later, as some sources state “after 1812”), the Gen. Tracy was wrecked off Fort Erie in Lake Erie, likely due to a storm. At the time of its loss, it was on its third trip as a private vessel, having been sold to Porter, Barton & Co of Black Rock, New York (modern-day Buffalo, NY). The wrecking occurred during a storm, though no further details of the incident, such as the exact circumstances or loss of life, are readily available.

Given the vessel’s earlier history and importance in military operations, the Gen. Tracy is considered a significant early U.S. Navy vessel in the Great Lakes region.

Significant Incidents

  • Wrecked off Fort Erie, Lake Erie, likely due to a storm in 1809 (or possibly later).

Final Disposition

The Gen. Tracy was wrecked off Fort Erie in Lake Erie, likely due to a storm. The details surrounding the wreck are sparse, but it marks the end of one of the early armed vessels used in establishing American settlements and fortifications in the region.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Details regarding the current condition of the wreck are not available. The site may be of interest to divers and historians due to its historical significance.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”gen-tracy-tracey” title=”References & Links”]

The Gen. Tracy, a vessel originally serving the U.S. Navy, had a notable role in the early military presence on the Great Lakes. Her loss off Fort Erie marks an end to one of the early armed vessels used in establishing American settlements and fortifications in the region. Although the details of her wreck are sparse, she remains part of the rich history of Lake Erie and the early 19th-century maritime scene.

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.

TRACY or TRACEY

Identification & Site Information

  • Other Names: Also seen as GEN. TRACY
  • Official No.: None
  • Type at Loss: Armed snow, wood
  • Build Info: 1802, River Rouge (Detroit, MI)
  • Specs: 53 tons
  • Date of Loss: 1809 (some records say after 1812)
  • Place of Loss: Off Fort Erie, Lake Erie
  • Lake: Erie
  • Type of Loss: Likely storm
  • Loss of Life: Unknown
  • Carrying: None

History and Description

The TRACY (sometimes listed as GEN. TRACY) was an armed snow (a type of small, square-rigged ship) constructed in 1802 at River Rouge, near Detroit, Michigan. Weighing approximately 53 tons, this vessel was originally part of the U.S. Navy, likely serving during the early years of the War of 1812.

In its earlier years, the TRACY was involved in notable military history. She played a role in establishing the garrison at Fort Dearborn (what is now Chicago) in 1803, alongside other vessels that contributed to the formation of the early American presence on the Great Lakes. After its service with the military, the TRACY transitioned into civilian use as a private vessel.

Final Disposition

By 1809 (or possibly later, as some sources state “after 1812”), the TRACY was wrecked off Fort Erie in Lake Erie, likely due to a storm. At the time of its loss, it was on its third trip as a private vessel, having been sold to Porter, Barton & Co of Black Rock, New York (modern-day Buffalo, NY). The wrecking occurred during a storm, though no further details of the incident, such as the exact circumstances or loss of life, are readily available.

Given the vessel’s earlier history and importance in military operations, the TRACY is considered a significant early U.S. Navy vessel in the Great Lakes region.

Sources & References

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides historical context regarding the ship’s military involvement.
  • Great Lakes Historical Society: Offers detailed records of early American ships like the TRACY.
  • Shipwreck Data: Includes information about early Great Lakes vessels and their fates.

Conclusion

The TRACY, a vessel originally serving the U.S. Navy, had a notable role in the early military presence on the Great Lakes. Her loss off Fort Erie marks an end to one of the early armed vessels used in establishing American settlements and fortifications in the region. Although the details of her wreck are sparse, she remains part of the rich history of Lake Erie and the early 19th-century maritime scene.

gen-tracy-tracey 1809-03-14 07:55:00