Schooner Gulielma (built 1857 – lost November 3, 1863)
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden two-masted Schooner
- Built: 1857
- Length: ~95 ft
- Trade: Likely lumber transport
Final Voyage & Wreck – November 3, 1863
- Incident: En route to Buffalo NY, struck the Breakwater at the harbor entrance during a storm
- Wrecking Sequence: She stranded on the breakwall, and was pounded to pieces by surf
- Cargo: Laden with lumber at the time of the wreck
- Casualties: None reported
- A wrecking expedition was launched days later to attempt cargo and wreck removal—but the vessel was deemed a Total Loss (alcheminc.com)
Historical Significance
- Reflects ongoing dangers to smaller wooden pleasure or freight schooners navigating major harbor breakwaters during autumn storms
- Burried among the many minor wartime losses of 1863, the Gulielma highlights the Year of the Civil War’s under-reported maritime casualties
- The wreck’s aftermath contributed to later harbor safety measures at Buffalo
Research & Exploration Paths
| Objective | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Press Reports | Examine Buffalo Courier and Buffalo Evening Gazette from Nov 4–10, 1863 for storm narrative and salvage team details |
| Harbor Records | Review Buffalo harbor-master or Army Corps records (Nov 1863) for correspondence and Breakwater notices |
| Registry Records | Request 1857 enrollment documents—confirm build specs, owner, master, and structural details |
| Wreck Reassessment | Although Hull is gone, conducting a shoreline scavenging survey near the Breakwater entrance may find timbers, fasteners, or Deck bits |
| Local Heritage | Buffalo Maritime Museum and regional historical societies may hold salvage logs or anecdotal records |
Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Gulielma |
| Built | 1857; wooden Schooner, ~95 ft |
| Lost | Nov 3, 1863 – struck Buffalo Breakwater; pounded to pieces |
| Cargo | Lumber |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Significance | Illustrates hazards of harbor navigation in storms; part of Buffalo’s shipping heritage |