Identification & Site Information

• Name: BIGLER (also known as J. BIGLER, JOHN BIGLER)

• Type: Wooden-Hulled Schooner

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 344 tons

• Net: 327 tons

• Dimensions:

• Length: 144 feet (43.9 meters)

• Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

• Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

• Built: 1866, Detroit, Michigan, by James Madison Jones

• Location: Approximately 10 miles north of Huron Islands, Lake Superior

• Year of Loss: September 3, 1884

• Coordinates: Not available

• Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The BIGLER was a classic wooden-hulled Schooner, well-suited for the demands of mid-19th-century Great Lakes shipping. With its sizable dimensions and cargo capacity, it primarily transported timber, stone, and other bulk goods. The Schooner’s design was robust enough to endure the variable and often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Built in 1866, the BIGLER was enrolled in Detroit and became a vital player in the Great Lakes’ bustling cargo trade. Ownership changes during its service were common, with notable owners including A. Currier of Detroit and George C. Finney of Chicago. The vessel was integral in transporting essential goods like timber and stone, contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Notable Events:

• 1881: Encountered severe weather on Lake Huron, resulting in leaks and grounding. It was towed to Port Huron for repairs, including Hull patching and Caulking, which restored its seaworthiness.

• September 3, 1884: The BIGLER’s career ended in tragedy when a storm on Lake Superior proved too powerful. Approximately 10 miles north of the Huron Islands, the vessel Foundered while carrying a cargo of stone. The Schooner was valued at $10,000, with the cargo valued at $3,500. Fortunately, all crew members survived.

Following the loss, Captain Murray filed a protest against the insurance company, possibly due to disputes over the coverage or circumstances of the sinking.

Final Disposition

The BIGLER was declared a Total Loss after the storm. Its Hull and cargo were insured for $11,500. The wreck’s location remains undiscovered, and no specific exploration has taken place.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• No Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are associated with the BIGLER.

• The exact wreck site is unmarked and unknown.

Located By & Date

The BIGLER’s wreck has not been located or explored. Its final resting place remains unidentified in the vast waters of Lake Superior.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the wooden construction and over a century of submersion, the wreck is likely heavily deteriorated and buried under sediment. Without precise coordinates, diving or exploration is not currently feasible.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website

• Great Lakes Ships: Database

• Bowling Green State University: Historical archives on Great Lakes vessels.

Diving Notes & Recommendations

The BIGLER’s unknown location and likely depth in Lake Superior make it inaccessible for recreational diving. Exploration would require advanced technical diving capabilities and significant resources for location identification.

Tags

Lake Superior, 19th Century, Wooden Schooner, Maritime History, Shipwreck

Conclusion

The Schooner BIGLER, known also as J. BIGLER and JOHN BIGLER, was a significant part of Great Lakes commerce during its 18-year career. Its loss in 1884 highlights the ever-present risks faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes. While the wreck remains undiscovered, the BIGLER’s story endures as a testament to the industrious spirit and challenges of 19th-century maritime trade.