Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James Wade
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Reed, Henderson, New York
- Dimensions: Length ~ 273 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 273 gross tons, 212 net tons
- Location: Near Rondeau Point, Ontario
- Official Number: 75522
- Original Owners: Wolf & Davidson of Milwaukee
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The James Wade was a wooden three-masted schooner, originally built with two masts and later rigged to a three-mast configuration.
Description
Constructed in 1873, the James Wade was a significant vessel of its time, primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. It was registered under the official number 75522 and had a gross tonnage of approximately 273 tons.
History
The James Wade was owned by Wolf & Davidson of Milwaukee, with Captain D.H. Brown at the helm. The vessel left Detroit in late October 1883, carrying around 19,000 bushels of wheat destined for Buffalo. Prior to its final voyage, the schooner had sustained damage from a collision on Lake Erie, necessitating repairs before setting sail.
Significant Incidents
- Departure & Route: Left Detroit in late October 1883, carrying ~19,000 bushels of wheat bound for Buffalo.
- Previous Damage: Sustained a collision on Lake Erie earlier and returned to Detroit for repairs.
- Disappearance: Vanished during a powerful November gale off Rondeau Point, Ontario.
- Sightings: Only the tops of her masts were observed by passing vessels, unrecognized until identified a few days later.
- Casualties: All 7 crew members perished when she foundered in the storm.
Final Disposition
The James Wade succumbed to a late-November storm on Lake Erie, going down with her full cargo of wheat and all seven crew members near Rondeau Point. The loss represented a significant economic impact due to the value of the cargo and the human cost of the tragedy.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the James Wade remains unlocated, with no confirmed debris field identified. Future surveys and sonar sweeps may provide insights into its final resting place.
Resources & Links
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The tragedy of the James Wade serves as a stark reminder of the seasonal perils faced by sailing grain carriers on the Great Lakes and highlights areas for further historical and archaeological research.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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