Identification & Site Information

• Name: H. C. Winslow
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 11200
• Date Built & Launched: 1853
• Builder: George Washington Jones, Black River, Ohio
• Specifications: 132 ft x 25 ft x 11 ft (40.2 m x 7.6 m x 3.4 m), 362 tons (old measurement)
• Vessel Type: Wooden three-masted Schooner, originally built as a Bark
• Date Lost: June 28, 1905
• Place of Loss: Chicago River, between Clark and Dearborn Streets, Chicago, Illinois
• Cause of Loss: Abandoned due to age; later dynamited

Vessel Type

The H. C. Winslow was originally constructed as a Bark but was later converted into a Schooner, a common transition for older sailing vessels as they were adapted for different cargo and operational needs. Built in Black River, Ohio (now Lorain), by renowned shipbuilder George Washington Jones, the vessel was of moderate size and engaged in trade across the Great Lakes.

Description & History

The H. C. Winslow served for over 50 years on the Great Lakes, a remarkable lifespan for a wooden sailing vessel. Initially launched in 1853 as a Bark, the ship would have primarily transported bulk cargo such as grain, lumber, coal, and iron ore between ports on the lakes. As steam power became more dominant, many older sailing vessels either became tow barges or were left to deteriorate in harbors.

By the late 19th century, the H. C. Winslow had become obsolete and was Abandoned in the Chicago River near the Clark Street bridge. Over time, the vessel became a nuisance, obstructing navigation and taking up valuable space in the bustling waterway.

In the spring of 1905, the city of Chicago awarded a contract to remove the derelict Schooner. However, when workers attempted to pull the H. C. Winslow away from the riverbank, the ship “balked” and ended up sinking in the middle of the river between Clark and Dearborn Streets.

Recognizing the obstruction to river traffic, authorities decided to remove the wreck by force. On June 28, 1905, the H. C. Winslow was dynamited, clearing the channel and officially ending the ship’s long and storied career.

Final Disposition

The wreck was completely destroyed by controlled explosions to ensure the Chicago River remained navigable. No known remnants of the ship remain today.

Located By & Date Found

Not applicable, as the ship was deliberately removed.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No known modern obstructions related to this wreck, as it was completely demolished in 1905. The Chicago River has undergone extensive modifications since the early 20th century, including deepening and redirection of its flow.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
•  Chicago Maritime Museum

Conclusion

The H. C. Winslow had an exceptionally long career spanning over five decades, reflecting the durability and adaptability of 19th-century Great Lakes sailing vessels. Its final years as an Abandoned derelict in the Chicago River illustrate the fate of many aging wooden ships that became obstacles in growing urban centers. The ship’s dramatic end—being dynamited to clear the river—serves as a reminder of Chicago’s transformation into a major commercial hub.

Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Great Lakes shipwrecks, Schooner, Chicago River, Abandoned vessels, Great Lakes maritime history

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, 19th-century shipwrecks, wooden schooners, harbor obstructions

Glossary Terms: Bark, Schooner, Chicago River, Derelict vessel