Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Nellie Wilder
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: Mid-19th century (exact year not specified)
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Near Galoo Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Near Galoo Island, Lake Ontario (exact coordinates not documented)
• Original Owners: Initially Everleigh and others; later owned by B. Overleigh of Sacketts Harbor

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Nellie Wilder was a wooden schooner, a vessel type widely used across the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and coal. Schooners like the Nellie Wilder were valued for their robust wooden construction, ability to carry large cargo loads, and design suited to handle the dynamic and often dangerous waters of the Great Lakes. Typically equipped with multiple masts, schooners provided versatility and resilience, though they were still vulnerable to severe weather and hidden underwater hazards.

Description

The Nellie Wilder began her career under the ownership of Everleigh and others, with high hopes for profitable trading routes. However, her journey encountered setbacks from the outset. On June 4, 1874, the vessel ran aground at Southeast Bend in the St. Clair River, becoming stranded on an exposed rock. Despite efforts by the crew to dislodge her, the schooner remained trapped for some time before eventually being freed.

In October 1880, carrying a valuable shipment of 20,000 bushels of wheat destined for Ogdensburg, New York, the Nellie Wilder set out again, this time under B. Overleigh’s ownership. However, as she neared Galoo Island on Lake Ontario, she encountered powerful winds that forced her onto exposed rocks. The impact was catastrophic: the schooner’s hull was breached, her stern and side were torn apart, and the vessel ultimately broke up. The entire cargo of wheat, shipped by Williams & Co. from Toledo, was lost with the vessel. To compound the tragedy, the ship and cargo were uninsured, leaving the owners to suffer a substantial financial loss.

History

The wreck of the Nellie Wilder off Galoo Island in October 1880 marked the end of her short but eventful career. The schooner was destroyed beyond salvage, leaving only fragments as a reminder of the risks and hazards sailors faced on the Great Lakes. The loss of both the uninsured ship and her cargo left a significant financial impact on her owners.

Significant Incidents

• June 4, 1874: Ran aground at Southeast Bend in the St. Clair River.
• October 1880: Foundered near Galoo Island due to heavy winds and collision with rocks.

Final Disposition

The Nellie Wilder serves as a stark example of the dangers inherent to 19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms, shallow waters, and rocky shoals frequently posed lethal challenges. Her story is a reminder of the financial risks and human perseverance associated with Great Lakes trade during this period.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site of the Nellie Wilder is submerged near Galoo Island, with remnants of the vessel remaining as a historical site. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the history of the Nellie Wilder, remember the importance of preserving our maritime heritage. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting the underwater environment and leaving the site better than you found it.