Kate Norton (1863)

Explore the tragic story of the Kate Norton, a wooden schooner that sank in Lake Erie during her maiden voyage, claiming the lives of her entire crew.

wrecked 7 sources on file
WaterbodyLake Erie
Loss year1863
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Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Kate Norton
  • Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
  • Year Built: 1863
  • Builder: D. Edwards, Milan, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: Not recorded
  • Location: Near Long Point, Ontario
  • Coordinates: Estimated location off Long Point fan
  • Official Number: None recorded in surviving documents
  • Original Owners: Unknown
  • Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type

Two-masted wooden schooner built in 1863.

Description

Description

The Kate Norton was a wooden schooner constructed by D. Edwards in Milan, Ohio. She was heavily loaded with gun stocks during her maiden voyage.

History

History

Built in 1863, the Kate Norton embarked on her maiden voyage from Huron, Ohio, bound for Lake Erie. Tragically, she sank during a gale on November 4, 1863, near Long Point, Ontario, with all hands lost.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

  • November 4, 1863: The Kate Norton foundered during a gale, likely due to capsizing or rapid water ingress from overloading.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Kate Norton remains unlocated and unsurveyed, likely resting in moderate-depth water with scattered hull fragments and cargo debris.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

No Notices to Mariners or hazard buoys have been recorded for the site. The wreck is presumed to be in moderate-depth water, but its exact location is unknown.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”kate-norton-1863″ title=”References & Links”]

Closing Summary

The loss of the Kate Norton serves as a reminder of the maritime risks faced by vessels in the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her story highlights the importance of understanding vessel stability and weather conditions.

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