Identification & Site Information

• Name: Bucephalus

• Type: Wooden Propeller-Driven Ship

• Year Built: 1852

• Builder: Perrysburg, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 169 feet (51.5 m)

• Beam: 28 feet (8.5 m)

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 m)

• Owners: Captain S. Alexander and Holt & Palmer, Buffalo, New York

• Last Voyage Route: Chicago, Illinois, to Buffalo, New York

• Wreck Location: Lake Huron, near Point Aux Barques

• Depth: Unknown

• Date of Wreck: November 7, 1854

• Current Condition: Lost; no confirmed recovery

Vessel Type Description

The Bucephalus was a wooden, steam-powered propeller-driven vessel, an innovative design for its time. Designed to transport both passengers and freight across the Great Lakes, it reflected mid-19th-century advancements in maritime technology. The ship’s propeller system was a hallmark of efficiency, providing reliable transportation over long distances despite the treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Use

The Bucephalus was constructed in 1852 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Owned by Captain S. Alexander and Holt & Palmer of Buffalo, it operated as a versatile vessel, transporting cargo such as corn, flour, and general merchandise. It played a vital role in the bustling trade routes that connected major ports like Chicago and Buffalo.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On November 7, 1854, the Bucephalus departed from Chicago en route to Buffalo. As the vessel navigated Lake Huron, it encountered a fierce gale near Point Aux Barques. The storm caused the ship to lose its rudder, rendering it adrift and powerless. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the crisis, the vessel began to fill with water and quickly became unmanageable.

Casualties and Survival

The storm proved fatal for ten of the Bucephalus’ 24 crew members:

• Eight crew members drowned when their lifeboat capsized during the evacuation attempt.

• Two more lives were lost when another lifeboat capsized near the shore.

The remaining 14 crew members survived, reaching the shores of Point Aux Barques. They were met with compassionate assistance from the local community, who provided food, shelter, and medical care.

Impact and Aftermath

The disaster underscored the dangers of Great Lakes navigation, particularly during stormy seasons. The vessel was valued at $28,000, with an additional $60,000 worth of cargo, representing a significant financial loss. Though there were unconfirmed reports that the vessel was later raised, no conclusive evidence supports this claim.

Final Disposition

The Bucephalus sank in Lake Huron during the storm. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and no definitive recovery efforts have been documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Bucephalus wreck.

• Advisories: Mariners navigating near Point Aux Barques should be aware of the historical presence of wrecks in this area.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Bucephalus has not been conclusively located. Its presumed location near Point Aux Barques remains a subject of interest for maritime historians and archaeologists.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the wreck is unknown, and its precise location remains a mystery. Given the passage of time and the turbulent waters of Lake Huron, any remnants of the Bucephalus are likely degraded or buried under sediment.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion

The Bucephalus was a vessel emblematic of mid-19th-century Great Lakes commerce and innovation. Its tragic loss in a 1854 storm highlights the inherent dangers of navigating these waters during the era. The bravery of its crew, the compassion of the Point Aux Barques community, and the financial and human toll of its sinking leave a lasting legacy in maritime history.

Keywords

Bucephalus, wooden propeller ship, Lake Huron shipwreck, Point Aux Barques, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century storm disaster, Great Lakes commerce, Holt & Palmer, 1854 shipwreck.

GPS Coordinates & Exploration Potential

• No confirmed coordinates are available for the wreck site.

• Continued research and exploration in the Point Aux Barques area may provide new insights into the final resting place of the Bucephalus.