IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: James R. Bentley
• Type: Three-masted Schooner
• Built: 1867, Fairport, Ohio by Bailey Bros.
• Length: 170 feet (51.8 meters)
• Tonnage: 574.58 tons
• Final Resting Place: Near 40 Mile Point, off the eastern Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron
• Depth: Over 60 feet (18.3 meters)
• Cargo: 36,288 bushels of rye

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The James R. Bentley was a classic wooden three-masted Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These ships were primarily used for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and lumber. The James R. Bentley was particularly noted for its length and tonnage, making it one of the more significant schooners of its time.

HISTORY

Built in 1867 by Bailey Bros. in Fairport, Ohio, the James R. Bentley was a staple of Great Lakes shipping routes. The vessel’s sturdy construction and large cargo capacity made it well-suited for the bustling trade environment of the post-Civil War era. For over a decade, it transported goods between various ports, becoming a familiar sight on the lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

In November 1878, the James R. Bentley set sail from Chicago, Illinois, bound for Buffalo, New York, carrying a large shipment of rye. During the voyage, it encountered heavy seas and struck a shoal near 40 Mile Point in Lake Huron. The collision caused severe damage, and despite the crew’s efforts to save the ship, it began to take on water rapidly. The crew was eventually rescued by the Bark Erastus Corning, but the Schooner was lost to the depths.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the James R. Bentley. However, mariners should be aware of the shoals and underwater hazards near 40 Mile Point.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• 3D Shipwrecks

3D Model