Great West (Bark), U10149, 17 May 1854

The barque GREAT WEST.---The largest sail vessel ever built for the inland waters, being 800 tons burthen, will be launched from the ship yard of Mr. G.S. Weeks on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. She was built for H.C. Walker & Co., of this city.
      The Democracy, Buffalo
      Wednesday, May 17, 1854



Capt. Walker's new and splendid vessel, the "GREAT WEST," came down the Creek last evening, with the exception of a cargo, ready for sea. She is a magnificent craft, an honor to our lake marine, and a credit to the enterprise and skill of her owner and builders. Success to her.
      The Democracy, Buffalo
      Saturday, June 24, 1854
     
     
     
NEW BARQUE. -- We saw on Friday afternoon, a new clipper barque, the GREAT WEST, lying near E. K. Bruce's dock, Central Wharf. She is the largest sail vessel on the Lakes, being 175 feet keel; 200 feet overall; 33 feet 9 inches beam; 13 feet 6 inches hold; and will carry 1,200 tons, or 40,000 bushels of corn.
      She was modeled by Mr. G.S. Weeks, of this city, and built by Mr. Smith Ryland, of new York. Her model is of the most approved style for sailing, and Mr. R. who is known as a most skillful ship builder, has spared no care nor labor in thoroughly fastening, and strengthening her throughout; and she is believed, in these points, to be superior to anything afloat on our waters. She was fitted up and rigged by Mr. K.L. Andrews, her chief mate. She has on board a steam engine of eight horse power, to assist in hoisting freight to and from the hold, to work the pumps, of which there are five, and for any such purpose to which it can be applied. Her foremast stands 176 feet from deck to truck. Her appointments from cabin to forecastle are well calculated for the comfort and convenience of the crew in all their various and arduous duties. She will spread to the breeze 5,000 yards of canvass, and draws light 4-1/2 feet of water, fully loaded, about 10 feet, on an even keel. Her commander Mr. M. Capron, a capable and efficient seaman, may well be proud of his craft. She is owned by H.C. Walker & Co., of this city, who deserve the utmost success for this their novel and liberal enterprize. She has now in her hold about 4,000 bars of railroad iron, a large quantity of other freight, and sails for Chicago this afternoon. She is a fit emblem of the Great West, to which bourne she is destined, and whence we hope, she may often return.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      June 26, 1854


      Marine Intelligence -- Monday, June 26
The new barque "GREAT WEST," while towing out the harbor yesterday morning, ran her jibboom into the wheelhouse of the steamer BUCKEYE STATE, and stripped it of every board, from top to bottom.
      The Democracy, Buffalo
      Tuesday, June 27, 1854


Capt. Walker's new vessel, the barque GREAT WEST, Capt. Dixon, came in yesterday morning with the largest load ever brought by a vessel into this port. She made the run from Chicago in about six days. This is her first round trip, and we are pleased to learn that in every respect she answers the expectations of her owners and builders. She is a magnificent craft, and we hope she may make "heaps" of money for her owners.
      The Democracy, Buffalo
      July 30, 1854


Barque GREAT WEST. U. S. No. 10149. Of 554 tons gross. Built Buffalo, 1854 by G.S. Weeks 184 x 33.4 x 13.3 Three masts. -- Wrecked Racine Reef, 1866
      Herman Runge List