Identification & Site Information

  • Name: RAMSEY CROOKS
  • Year Built: 1836
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Original Owner: Not specified in available records
  • Official Number: Not recorded (pre-Official Number system)
  • Dimensions
  • Dimensions not specifically recorded, but schooners of this era typically measured approximately 20–30 m (65–100 ft) in length, with a beam of 5–7 m (16–23 ft), and a Draft of around 2–3 m (6–10 ft).

Vessel Type Description

The RAMSEY CROOKS was a wooden, two-masted Schooner operating in the Great Lakes bulk cargo trade, carrying a variety of goods such as grain, lumber, and general merchandise.

History

Launched in 1836, the RAMSEY CROOKS was engaged in standard commercial shipping on Lake Erie. She had a colourful and ultimately tragic operating history. In 1851, she capsized on Lake Erie, resulting in a loss of life, although she was presumably salvaged and returned to service thereafter.

Her final loss came in the fall of 1863. While transporting a general cargo that included barrels of whiskey, the crew reportedly overindulged in the liquor during a storm, compromising their seamanship. Although the storm itself was described as relatively mild, the intoxicated crew lost control of the vessel, allowing her to drift ashore. The Schooner stranded and quickly broke up, ending her service life.

Final Disposition

  • Final Location: Likely southern shore of Lake Erie (specific coordinates not recorded)
  • Date Lost: Fall 1863
  • Cause: Stranded in a storm due to crew incapacity from intoxication
  • Final Cargo: General cargo including whiskey

Located By & Date

No modern archaeological identification reported.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None noted.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Presumed completely broken up shortly after wrecking; no documented recovery or remains.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The RAMSEY CROOKS stands as a cautionary tale about the consequences of poor seamanship under the influence of alcohol, even in the Great Lakes’ more moderate storms. Her loss highlights the human factors that could contribute to shipwrecks just as decisively as weather or navigational hazards.

Keywords: Lake Erie, Schooner, whiskey cargo, 19th-century shipping, crew negligence, shipwreck