IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: CHAMPION

• Type: Wooden Barkentine (later converted to Schooner-Barge and cargo Barge)

• Year Built: 1863

• Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 182.5 feet (55.6 meters)

• Beam: 33.4 feet (10.2 meters)

• Depth: 13.5 feet (4.1 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 585 tons

• Net: 556 tons

• Owners: Initially Mather & Barclay, Chicago, Illinois

• Wreck Location: St. Clair River, off Algonac, Michigan

• Final Resting Depth: Shallow waters (wreck dynamited and cleared)

• Final Voyage Date: July 13, 1903

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHAMPION began its life as a Barkentine, a three-masted wooden sailing vessel with square-rigged sails on the foremast and Fore-and-Aft Sails on the other masts. Built for strength and reliability, it served the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes. Over time, the vessel adapted to the region’s industrial needs by transitioning into a Schooner-Barge and later a cargo Barge, reflecting the era’s evolution in maritime trade and propulsion technology.

HISTORY

The CHAMPION was constructed in 1863 in Cleveland, Ohio, during a period when wooden sailing ships were the backbone of the Great Lakes maritime trade. It was initially owned by Mather & Barclay of Chicago, Illinois, and played a vital role in transporting essential goods such as lumber and coal across the lakes. Its large size and durable wooden Hull made it well-suited for the challenges of Great Lakes shipping.

Key Milestones:

1. Conversion to Schooner-Barge (1868):

In response to the increasing reliance on steam power, the CHAMPION was converted into a Schooner-Barge, allowing it to be towed by steamships like the ST. LOUIS from 1886 to 1903. This Conversion increased its efficiency and versatility in the transportation of bulk goods.

2. Dock Fire in Toledo (June 1899):

A catastrophic dock fire heavily damaged the CHAMPION, leading to a reported Total Loss valued at $20,000. Refusing to end its service, the vessel was Rebuilt and transformed into a cargo Barge, continuing its operations.

3. Final Collision (July 13, 1903):

During a routine journey in the St. Clair River, the CHAMPION collided with the steel Steamer ROBERT W. E. BUNSEN. The collision caused significant damage, leading to the vessel’s rapid sinking. Fortunately, all lives aboard were spared.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CHAMPION’s wreck posed a navigational hazard in the busy waters of the St. Clair River. Alongside the Abandoned Steamer STIMSON, the CHAMPION’s remains were dynamited and cleared to ensure safe passage for other vessels. While its physical remnants were obliterated, the vessel’s legacy endures in maritime records and Great Lakes history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the CHAMPION, as the wreck site was demolished and no longer presents a navigational risk.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the CHAMPION was immediately identified following its collision in 1903. However, no remnants of the vessel remain due to the use of dynamite to clear the site.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreckage of the CHAMPION was completely removed, leaving no accessible site for exploration. Historical records and accounts are the primary sources of information about the vessel.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival information on Great Lakes vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed documentation of shipwrecks, including the CHAMPION.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records of vessels operating in the region.

• Historical Newspapers: Reports from the time, including coverage of the collision with the ROBERT W. E. BUNSEN.

KEYWORDS

• CHAMPION shipwreck

• St. Clair River wrecks

• Great Lakes maritime history

• Barkentine to cargo Barge Conversion

• 19th-century Great Lakes trade

• ROBERT W. E. BUNSEN collision

• Shipwreck dynamite clearance

CONCLUSION

The CHAMPION’s story encapsulates the adaptability and resilience of Great Lakes vessels during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Transitioning from a Barkentine to a cargo Barge, the CHAMPION reflected the ever-evolving needs of maritime trade. Despite its tragic end following a collision in 1903, its legacy as a versatile and enduring vessel continues to be a part of the rich history of Great Lakes shipping.