Identification & Site Information:

• Wreck Name: Amaranth

• Type: Schooner-Barge

• Date of Construction: 1864

• Builder: William Shupe, Milan, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 134 feet (40.8 m)

• Beam: 25 feet (7.6 m)

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 273 tons

• Net: 259 tons

• Final Disposition: Wrecked on September 7, 1901

• Location: North Kewahdin Beach, Lake Huron, near Fort Gratiot, Michigan

Vessel Type Description:

The Amaranth was a Schooner-Barge, a vessel designed for bulk cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. Commonly towed by steamers, Schooner-barges were essential to the transportation of heavy goods like lumber and coal. The Amaranth was equipped with two masts, allowing it to operate under sail when necessary. Its wooden construction reflected the dominant shipbuilding techniques of the mid-19th century.

History:

Built in 1864 by William Shupe in Milan, Ohio, the Amaranth played a vital role in the transportation of bulk goods on the Great Lakes. Throughout its operational life, it changed hands multiple times. Initially owned by Valentine Fries, it later became the property of John Shaw of Bay City, Michigan, and subsequently E. Tirney. By the time of its final voyage, it was owned by C.W. Kotcher of Detroit.

On September 7, 1901, the Amaranth was being towed by the Steamer John H. Pauly near Fort Gratiot, Michigan, when it encountered a severe storm. The violent winds drove the Schooner-Barge ashore at North Kewahdin Beach. Despite the storm’s ferocity, the crew of the Amaranth and the John H. Pauly were successfully rescued by the United States Lifesaving Service (USLS).

Efforts to salvage the Amaranth failed as relentless waves broke the vessel apart. The cargo of lumber and lath it was carrying was also lost, adding to the financial cost of the wreck.

Final Disposition:

The Amaranth was destroyed during the storm, reduced to pieces by the waves at North Kewahdin Beach. Though the loss of the vessel and its cargo was significant, the successful rescue of the crew underscored the bravery and efficiency of the USLS.

Located By & Date:

The wreck was immediately discovered following the incident, as it occurred close to shore.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive archive of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

3. Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion:

The Amaranth exemplifies the challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its critical role in transporting bulk goods highlights the economic importance of Schooner-barges in the region. However, the vessel’s tragic loss in 1901 underscores the perils of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during severe storms.

The story of the Amaranth also serves as a testament to the heroism of the United States Lifesaving Service, whose prompt actions ensured that the lives of the vessel’s crew were spared. Today, the Amaranth is remembered as part of the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes, a symbol of both the promise and the danger inherent in Great Lakes commerce.

Keywords:

• Amaranth

• Great Lakes Shipwreck

• Schooner-Barge

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Lake Huron Wreck

• United States Lifesaving Service

• C.W. Kotcher

Glossary:

• Schooner-Barge: A type of vessel designed for carrying bulk freight, often towed by steamers.

• United States Lifesaving Service (USLS): A government agency tasked with rescuing shipwreck survivors before its incorporation into the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Kewahdin Beach: A location near Fort Gratiot, Michigan, where the Amaranth wrecked.