The A. Scott was a wooden Schooner that met its demise on Lake Erie in 1859. Below is a comprehensive account of the vessel’s specifications, history, and final disposition.

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

Wooden Schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting bulk cargoes.

Description

The A. Scott was a two-masted wooden Schooner designed for the transportation of heavy cargoes such as limestone. Schooners of this type were integral to commerce on the Great Lakes, facilitating the movement of essential building materials between ports.

History

Built in 1853, the A. Scott served as a cargo vessel on Lake Erie for six years. On April 26, 1859, while en route from Erie, Pennsylvania to Vermilion, Ohio with a load of limestone blocks, the vessel encountered a severe gale. The storm drove the Schooner ashore near the Black River at Vermilion, Ohio, where it was quickly wrecked. The crew survived the incident, but the vessel and its cargo were lost.(Alchem Incorporated)

Final Disposition

The A. Scott was declared a Total Loss following the wreck. There are no records indicating that any part of the vessel was salvaged or that the wreck was recovered.

Located By & Date Found

There is no available information indicating that the wreck of the A. Scott has been located or identified in modern times.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck site of the A. Scott.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The A. Scott’s wreck underscores the hazards faced by 19th-century schooners navigating the often treacherous waters of Lake Erie. While the vessel’s remains have not been located, its story contributes to the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes region.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: A. Scott, Lake Erie shipwreck, wooden Schooner, 1859 storm, Vermilion Ohio, limestone cargo
  • Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime Disasters, Wooden Schooners
  • Glossary Terms:
    • Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast.
    • Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe wind speeds of 34–40 knots (63–74 km/h or 39–46 mph).
    • Limestone: A sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate, used as a building material and in the production of lime.(Alchem Incorporated)