Identification & Site Information

• • Name: Cambridge
• • Type: Wooden Three-Masted Schooner
• • Year Built: 1868
• • Builder: Detroit Dry Dock (Hull No. 4), Detroit, Michigan
• • Owners: Merrick & Co., Detroit, Michigan
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 162 feet (49.4 meters)
• • Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
• • Depth: 12.8 feet (3.9 meters)
• • Tonnage:
• • Gross: 445.15 tons
• • Net: 437 tons
• • Final Resting Place: Near Marquette, Michigan, Big Bay Point, Lake Superior
• • Date of Wreck: August 30, 1873

Vessel Type Description

The Cambridge was a three-masted wooden Schooner, a type of vessel commonly used in the 19th century for transporting bulk cargoes such as iron ore, lumber, and grain. Its robust construction and wire rigging with a topsail were designed to handle the challenges of Great Lakes navigation. At 162 feet, the Cambridge was a large and impressive ship, built for efficiency and durability.

History

The Cambridge was launched in 1868 from the Detroit Dry Dock under the skilled craftsmanship of Campbell & Owen. The vessel represented the burgeoning maritime trade of the Great Lakes, connecting ports and enabling the transport of essential goods such as iron ore, which fueled industrial growth in the United States.

Equipped with advanced rigging for its time, the Cambridge was not only a functional workhorse but also a symbol of maritime pride for its owners and crew. Its voyages were critical in maintaining the economic lifelines between cities and towns scattered across the vast Great Lakes region.

The Final Voyage

On August 30, 1873, the Cambridge was laden with a cargo of iron ore destined for Cleveland, Ohio, when it encountered one of Lake Superior’s infamous storms. Near Marquette, Michigan, at Big Bay Point, the Schooner was overwhelmed by the ferocity of the gale.

The storm hurled the vessel onto the rocky shoreline, splintering its wooden Hull and rendering it unsalvageable. Despite the chaos and destruction, the crew miraculously escaped the disaster without any reported loss of life. However, they could only watch helplessly as their ship was consumed by the unyielding forces of nature.

Final Disposition

The Cambridge was declared a Total Loss, with its remains left scattered along the shoreline near Marquette. The wreckage stood as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who dared to navigate the treacherous waters of Lake Superior.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the wreck of the Cambridge, as its remains have been largely untraceable or uncharted.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Cambridge wreck is unknown, and there is no indication of substantial remains being preserved or accessible for diving or exploration. The tumultuous nature of Lake Superior and its rocky shoreline likely contributed to the ship’s complete disintegration.

Legacy

The story of the Cambridge serves as a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Its loss during a routine voyage underscores the unpredictable and often brutal conditions faced by mariners. The ship’s final moments also highlight the resilience and bravery of its crew, who survived one of the Great Lakes’ deadliest hazards.

The wreck of the Cambridge is a testament to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, reminding us of the countless ships and sailors who risked everything to power the commerce and growth of a nation.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Shipwreck Log
• 3D Shipwrecks – Cambridge

Keywords

Cambridge, Schooner, Lake Superior shipwreck, Big Bay Point, Marquette Michigan, iron ore transport, 19th-century maritime history, Great Lakes storm wreck, wooden Schooner loss.

3D Model Cambridge