Vessel Identification & Profile

  • Name: Monson
  • Year Built: 1851
  • Vessel Type: Presumed Schooner or Barque (common to Erie trade, confirmation pending)
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Decks: Presumed 1

Dimensions & Ownership

  • Hull Dimensions: Unknown (requires archival investigation)
  • Tonnage: Unknown
  • Original Owner and Location: Unknown; possibly Erie, Buffalo, or Sandusky-based owner

Operational History

  • Likely operated in the Lake Erie grain, lumber, or general cargo trade between U.S. and Canadian ports

Final Disposition

  • Date of Loss: Circa 1851
  • Location: Lake Erie (exact location unspecified)
  • Cause: Foundered (no further detail)
  • Casualties: Unknown

Incident Notes

  • No detailed casualty, insurance, or salvage reports located in summary sources
  • Presumed a Total Loss due to foundering
  • Mentioned in early lake vessel loss lists

Historical Context & Significance
The Monson represents an early loss on Lake Erie during a period of rapid maritime expansion and frequent incidents among wooden-hulled lake traders. While few details are recorded, it contributes to the broader understanding of mid-19th century shipping risks.

Keywords and Categories

Archival Sources & Notes

  • Marine casualty summaries (1850–1852)
  • Board of Lake Underwriters listings
  • Needs further research in Erie and Buffalo regional newspapers, 1851
  • Enrollment documentation not yet located