The Wreck of the Erie L. Hackley (1882–1903)

---

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Erie L. Hackley
• Year of Build: 1882
• Official Number: 135615
• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller, Coaster
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Builder: J. Arnold, Muskegon, Michigan
• Original Owner & Location: Unknown
• Notable Notes: Some sources suggest she was originally built as a yacht.
• Propulsion: Screw Propeller
• Engine Type: Steam-powered
• Boilers: 1 (exact details unknown)
• Propeller: Single
• horsepower: Unknown
• Hull Dimensions Length: 79′ (24.1 m) Beam: 17′ (5.2 m) Depth: 5′ (1.5 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 55
• Net Tonnage: 20
• Final Location: Little Bay De Noc, off Menominee, MI, Lake Michigan
• Date: October 3, 1903
• Cause: Overwhelmed by a storm and sank
• Final Cargo: General freight
• Lives Lost: 11 of 19
• Wreck Located: 1980

---

Vessel Description

The Erie L. Hackley was a small wooden-hulled coaster propeller built in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1882 by shipbuilder J. Arnold. At just 79 feet in length, she was designed for shallow-Draft operations and was well-suited for running cargo and passenger services along the Lake Michigan coast.

Some records indicate that she was originally constructed as a yacht, which may explain her relatively light construction compared to other freighters of her era. She frequently traveled between small ports on Lake Michigan, carrying general cargo and passengers. Despite her modest size, she played a vital role in connecting rural communities and industries along the lake shore.

---

Final Voyage & Disaster

On October 3, 1903, the Erie L. Hackley set out from port carrying a small general cargo and a crew of 19 men.

A powerful autumn storm swept across Lake Michigan that night, bringing heavy winds and large waves. The Hackley, being a small, lightly built vessel, was quickly overwhelmed by the storm. Eyewitnesses later reported that a sudden wave struck the ship, capsizing her and sending her crew into the freezing waters of Little Bay De Noc.

Casualties & Rescue

Of the 19 men aboard, only 8 survived. The remaining 11 crew members were lost to the storm, their bodies never recovered.

Given the treacherous conditions, there was no chance for rescue from nearby vessels. Survivors clung to debris and wreckage until they were finally pulled from the water.

Discovery of the Wreck (1980)

For decades, the Erie L. Hackley’s final resting place was unknown. Until 1980, divers and maritime researchers located the wreck in Little Bay De Noc. The wooden Hull was mostly intact, but severely degraded from years underwater. The site remains one of the many historical wrecks that tell the story of Great Lakes shipping tragedies.

Legacy & Impact

The loss of the Erie L. Hackley was one of many small but tragic wrecks that occurred on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. Despite her modest size and simple construction, her sinking highlighted the dangers of late-season sailing and the unpredictable nature of Great Lakes storms. The wreck remains an important historical site, offering insight into the design and operations of small freighters on the lakes.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime Database: Erie L. Hackley
• Michigan Shipwreck Research Association: Shipwrecks of Michigan
• Wisconsin Marine Historical Society: Lake Michigan Shipwrecks

Keywords Great Lakes Shipwrecks Erie L. Hackley Lake Michigan Disasters 19th Century Steamships Coaster Propellers Wooden Freighters Maritime History