Identification & Site Information
- Name: Vincennes
- Built: 1846, wooden scow‑Schooner
- Owner: Sims & [Co.], based in Michigan (mid‑1850s registry)
- Loss Date: November 1, 1857
- Incident Summary: Driven ashore during a storm; “pounded to pieces.” No crew casualties recorded. Insured value at approximately US $2,500 at the time. (en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org)
Vessel Type & Description
A mid‑19th‑century wooden scow‑Schooner—flat‑bottomed, shallow Draft—for transporting heavy bulk cargo in harbor and near‑shore environments. Estimated about 60–80 ft long with modest sailing rig; built primarily for work, not speed.
Final Voyage & Loss
While seeking shelter or navigating during a storm on November 1, 1857, Vincennes was driven ashore—likely onto bars or rocky shoals—where the pounding surf destroyed her Hull. There are no details on crew survival, but “none mentioned” implies all hands were saved or no fatalities occurred.
Final Disposition
The vessel was declared a Total Loss. Registry was closed soon after, with no salvage or rescue noted. Her remains likely remain scattered in shallow shoreline debris zones, unrecorded in modern databases.
Research Gaps & Next Steps
| Research Area | Action |
|---|---|
| Loss Location | Determine exact grounding site—could be along Michigan shoreline where Sims operated. |
| Storm Records | Examine Michigan coastal newspapers (Detroit Free Press, Mackinac Gazette) for Nov 1857 storm reports and wreck accounts. |
| Life‑Saving Records | Investigate U.S. Lifesaving Service logs and harbor authority files for November 1857. |
| Registry & Insurance | Locate insurance claims and vessel registry closure documents in Michigan archives (state ports/regulators). |
| Archaeological Survey | Consider a shoreline scatter survey—especially during low water—to locate wreck timbers or fasteners. |
Summary Profile
- Name: Vincennes
- Type: Wooden scow‑Schooner, ~60–80 ft
- Built: 1846
- Owner: Sims & [Co.], Michigan
- Lost: November 1, 1857 – Driven ashore and destroyed in storm
- Crew: Unknown; likely no fatalities
- Value: ~$2,500 in 1857
- Condition: Wreck site unlocated; remains presumed scattered in shallow nearshore
Significance
Vincennes exemplifies small‑scale working vessels integral to mid‑19th-century Great Lakes trade—critical for transporting materials but vulnerable to weather and shoreline hazards. Her destruction also reflects the economic risks faced by owners and insurers prior to modern weather forecasting and navigational aids.