Identification & Site Information:

• Name: George Carpenter

• Type: Two-masted wooden Schooner

• Builder: G. Carpenter

• Construction Location: Bay City, Michigan

• Date Built: 1864

• Measurements:

• Length: 41 feet (12.5 m)

• Beam: 10 feet (3 m)

• Depth: 4 feet (1.2 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 10 tons

• Net: 10 tons

• Date Lost: 1893 (possibly misreported)

• Location: Unknown; final recorded surrender at Port Huron, December 6, 1893

Vessel Description:

The George Carpenter was a modest yet reliable two-masted wooden Schooner built in 1864. Its compact size and lightweight build made it ideal for small cargo operations or local transport across the Great Lakes during the mid-to-late 19th century.

Circumstances of Loss:

The disappearance of the George Carpenter in 1893 remains an unresolved mystery, shrouded in vague reports and fragmented historical records:

• The only concrete document relating to its loss states that the vessel was “wrecked” and formally surrendered on December 6, 1893, at Port Huron, Michigan.

• No details regarding specific lake, date, weather conditions, or cargo have been recorded, adding to the ship’s enigmatic end.

Conflicting Reports:

An additional layer of confusion arises from earlier accounts suggesting the vessel may have been stranded in October 1889. This discrepancy raises questions:

• Was the 1893 incident a misreporting of earlier events?

• Did the George Carpenter survive the 1889 stranding, only to later meet its demise under different circumstances?

Historical Significance:

Despite its small size and understated role in Great Lakes shipping, the George Carpenter reflects the challenges and risks faced by schooners during the 19th century. These modest workhorses of the inland seas were critical for the movement of goods and materials but often operated with little recognition.

The mystery surrounding the Schooner’s fate underscores the dangers of the Great Lakes—where sudden storms, poor Visibility, and limited navigational aids contributed to countless maritime tragedies.

Ongoing Research and Preservation:

The lack of definitive information regarding the George Carpenter’s final voyage has driven continued research efforts:

1. Archival Searches: Reviewing ship registers, newspapers, and official maritime records for overlooked details.

2. Local Accounts: Gathering oral histories and local recollections, particularly from Port Huron, where the vessel’s surrender was recorded.

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File: An essential resource for additional shipwreck documentation and leads.

Questions That Remain:

1. What led to the vessel’s loss in 1893? Was it weather-related or the result of another maritime incident?

2. Where did the shipwreck occur? Was it close to Port Huron, or elsewhere on the Great Lakes?

3. What cargo, if any, was the Schooner carrying at the time of its demise?

4. Were there casualties, and what happened to the crew?

Conclusion:

The George Carpenter remains a captivating unsolved mystery within Great Lakes maritime history. Its disappearance highlights the fragility of early schooners and the relentless dangers of sailing the inland seas. While details of the wreck are incomplete, the ongoing efforts of historians and enthusiasts keep its story alive, preserving the memory of yet another vessel claimed by the Great Lakes.

For further details, refer to the David Swayze Shipwreck File and local maritime archives for potential updates and discoveries.