IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Lottie Wolf
• Type: Schooner (Barkentine)
• Year Built: 1866
• Builder: Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Final Resting Place: North Shore of Hope Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• Coordinates: Available upon request
• Depth at Wreck Site: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
• Length: 126 feet (38.4 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Lottie Wolf was a wooden Barkentine, a type of Schooner with three masts, combining square sails on the foremast with fore-and-aft rigging on the other masts. This design allowed for flexibility and efficiency in both coastal and open-water trade. Built for the transport of bulk cargo such as lumber and grain, the Lottie Wolf represented the sturdy, utilitarian vessels that were essential for 19th-century commerce on the Great Lakes. Its single-Deck construction and robust Hull were tailored to withstand the unpredictable conditions of the inland seas.

HISTORY

The Lottie Wolf had a storied and eventful career spanning decades of service on the Great Lakes. From its launch in 1866, the vessel contributed to the booming trade economy, moving essential goods across the region. However, its operational life was marked by numerous challenges and incidents:

• •1869: The Lottie Wolf collided with the Schooner M.B. Spaulding in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, requiring repairs.
• •1871: The vessel lost its topmasts during a severe storm on Lake Huron and later sank at Milwaukee piers. Fortunately, it was salvaged and returned to service.
• •1877: A squall near Leeland, Michigan, caused the loss of the vessel’s sails. It was towed to Port Colborne, Ontario, for extensive repairs.

Despite these setbacks, the Lottie Wolf continued to ply the waters of the Great Lakes, adapting to the demanding and often perilous conditions of its trade routes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On October 9, 1891, the Lottie Wolf struck a boulder and ran aground on Hope Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The damage rendered the vessel irreparable, and it was subsequently stripped of all valuable materials. Officially Abandoned on October 22, 1891, the wreck now rests in shallow waters near the north shore of Hope Island, where it has become a part of the region’s maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Notices: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Lottie Wolf. Divers are advised to check local advisories for updated information on conditions in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Discovery: The wreck has been known to local historians and divers for years, though no specific discovery date has been recorded. Its location near Hope Island makes it a popular site for exploration and study.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies in 18 feet (5.5 meters) of water, making it accessible to recreational divers and snorkelers. Although time and the elements have taken their toll, the wreck remains a significant artifact, offering insights into the construction and operation of 19th-century schooners. The relatively shallow depth allows for good Visibility under favourable conditions, providing an engaging experience for divers interested in maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• •Great Lakes Maritime History: A resource for detailed historical accounts and shipwreck documentation.
• •National Museum of the Great Lakes: Offers extensive archives on vessels like the Lottie Wolf.
• •NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Provides environmental data relevant to the preservation of underwater sites.

KEYWORDS

#Lottie Wolf #Barkentine #Hope Island #Georgian Bay #Lake Huron shipwreck #Great Lakes maritime history #19th-century schooners #Canadian shipwrecks

CONCLUSION

The Lottie Wolf is a compelling example of the resilience and challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners in the 19th century. Despite multiple repairs and a long service life, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the hazards of inland navigation. Today, the wreck serves as both a historical relic and a reminder of the region’s rich maritime heritage. Its location near Hope Island in Georgian Bay provides a valuable site for exploration, preserving the legacy of a bygone era in Great Lakes shipping.

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