Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Milan
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1845
  • Builder: Unknown, constructed at Three Mile Bay, New York
  • Construction: Wooden Hull, two-masted
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 92 feet (28 metres)
    • Beam: 20 feet (6.1 metres)
    • Depth: 0 feet (shallow Draft typical of cargo schooners)
  • Tonnage: 147 tons (old measurement system)
  • Final Voyage: October 11, 1849
  • Final Location of Wreck: Lake Ontario, approximately 5 miles off Oak Orchard, at a depth of 200 feet (61 metres)
  • Condition: Wreck lies intact at the lakebed, cargo of salt lost.

Vessel Type Description

The Milan was a Schooner, a type of sailing vessel common on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Known for their versatility and efficiency, schooners were vital for transporting goods such as grain and salt. The Milan’s two-mast configuration and wooden construction were typical of its era, designed for efficient navigation and durability in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

The Milan was constructed in 1845 at Three Mile Bay, New York, and initially enrolled in Oswego, New York. During its short but eventful career, the vessel operated across the Great Lakes, engaging in commerce and transport, particularly grain and salt.

Key Events:

  • November 1845: Involved in a collision with the Schooner Sylph near Buffalo Harbor, New York.
  • 1848: Ran a route between Cleveland and Buffalo, primarily transporting grain.
  • November 4, 1848: Collided with the Schooner Florence at Buffalo, Lake Erie.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On October 11, 1849, the Milan was carrying 1,000 barrels of salt from Oswego to Cleveland. The vessel sprang a leak approximately 5 miles off Oak Orchard in Lake Ontario. Despite efforts to save the ship, the crew Abandoned the vessel, escaping in a small boat. They safely reached the shore, but the Milan sank, taking its valuable cargo with it.

Owned by Captain Richardson at the time, the loss of the Schooner and its cargo was valued at $5,000—a significant sum in the mid-19th century.

The wreck was later discovered in Lake Ontario at a depth of 200 feet. It remains an intriguing historical artifact, offering insights into the region’s maritime history and commerce during the mid-1800s.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Milan serves as a reminder of the hazards of early Great Lakes shipping and the vital role schooners played in the regional economy. Its loss underscores the risks faced by mariners of the time, with collisions and structural failures being common challenges.

The wreck of the Milan provides an important archaeological site, shedding light on construction techniques and the trade practices of the era. Its cargo of salt highlights the essential commodities that fueled the growth of industrial centres like Cleveland and Buffalo.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Milan’s story captures the essence of Great Lakes maritime history during the mid-19th century. From its service transporting grain and salt to its loss in Lake Ontario, the Schooner exemplifies the critical role played by these vessels in regional commerce. Its wreck serves as a preserved snapshot of a bygone era, contributing to our understanding of the challenges and achievements of Great Lakes shipping.

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