Identification & Site Information

• Name: ARMADA
• Former Names: None reported
• Official Number: 364
• Date Built and Launched: 1847
• Builder: Asa Wilcox, Sackett’s Harbor, New York
• Original Type: Schooner
• Converted Type: Wooden Barge
• Measurements:
• Gross Tonnage: 176 tons
• Overall Measurement: 235 tons
• Rebuilds: Rebuilt in 1858
• Date Lost: September 1869
• Place of Loss: Unknown, Lake Michigan
• Last Registration: 1866, Chicago, Illinois

Vessel Type

Originally constructed as a Schooner in 1847, the ARMADA was later converted into a wooden Barge, reflecting the mid-19th century trend of repurposing aging sailing vessels to extend their commercial utility in the growing cargo trade on the Great Lakes.

Description

The ARMADA was built by Asa Wilcox in Sackett’s Harbor, New York, an important shipbuilding center on the eastern edge of Lake Ontario. Initially launched as a Schooner, the vessel served in this capacity for over a decade before being Rebuilt in 1858. During this Rebuild, it was likely converted into a Barge, a common practice at the time to maximize cargo capacity as steam-powered tugs began to dominate Great Lakes transportation.

The vessel’s specifications—176 gross tons and 235 tons overall measurement—suggest it was a medium-sized ship, capable of handling substantial loads, likely bulk goods such as lumber, coal, or grain, which were common cargoes for barges on the Great Lakes.

History

After its construction in 1847, the ARMADA operated as a Schooner, navigating the complex and often hazardous waters of the Great Lakes. As the demand for more efficient transport increased and steam-powered vessels took precedence, the ship was Rebuilt in 1858, transitioning from a Schooner to a Barge. This Conversion allowed the ARMADA to remain economically viable by serving as a towed cargo vessel, commonly paired with steam tugs.

The ARMADA‘s final years were marked by a series of mishaps, underscoring the difficulties faced by wooden barges on the Great Lakes. In May 1869, just months before its ultimate demise, the ARMADA broke loose from a tow and wrecked on Lake Michigan. Despite being salvaged or recovered from that incident, the vessel suffered a similar fate later that year. In September 1869, the ARMADA again broke free from its tow during a storm on Lake Michigan. This time, the damage was catastrophic, and the vessel became a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

The ARMADA was lost on Lake Michigan in September 1869 after breaking loose from a tow during a storm. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and there are no detailed reports confirming whether there were any fatalities or what cargo the vessel was carrying at the time of its loss.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There is no information indicating that the wreck of the ARMADA has been discovered or explored.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return. No navigational hazards or obstructions related to this wreck are recorded.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The ARMADA‘s history reflects the transitional period of Great Lakes shipping in the mid-19th century, when schooners were frequently converted into barges to adapt to the rise of steam-powered towing. Its repeated incidents in 1869 highlight the risks inherent in this type of maritime operation, particularly for wooden vessels in the unpredictable weather conditions of Lake Michigan. The lack of precise information on its final resting place leaves the ARMADA as another enigmatic chapter in the storied Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Let me know if you’d like to delve deeper into archival sources or search for possible expedition reports on this wreck!