Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Margaret F. Biglow

• Type: Schooner

• Year Built: 1870

• Builder: Not documented

• Construction: Wooden Hull

• Dimensions: Not documented

• Gross Tonnage: Approximately 300 tons

• Final Voyage: October 27, 1880

• Final Location of Wreck: 12 miles west of South Bass Island, Lake Erie

• Final Disposition: Foundered in a storm and sank

• Crew: Total Loss of all crew members

Vessel Type Description

The Margaret F. Biglow was a wooden-hulled Schooner, representative of the late 19th-century cargo vessels that plied the waters of the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Margaret F. Biglow were typically rigged with multiple masts, relying on wind power to transport bulk goods such as coal, timber, and grain. This vessel, known for its sturdy build, was vital in supporting the burgeoning industrial economy of the region.

History

Construction and Early Service

The Margaret F. Biglow was launched in 1870, joining the fleet of cargo-carrying vessels that made up the backbone of commerce on the Great Lakes. Although specific details about her construction and ownership are scarce, the vessel was well-regarded for her capacity and reliability.

The Schooner operated for a decade, transporting goods across the often unpredictable and storm-prone waters of the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of her era, the Margaret F. Biglow played an essential role in connecting industrial centers with the resources needed for growth.

Final Voyage

On October 27, 1880, the Margaret F. Biglow embarked on what would become her last journey. Carrying a cargo of coal, the Schooner was navigating Lake Erie when she encountered a violent storm. The fierce gale overwhelmed the vessel approximately 12 miles west of South Bass Island.

The storm proved catastrophic. The Margaret F. Biglow Foundered, sinking beneath the turbulent waves. Tragically, the entire crew was lost in the disaster, highlighting the profound risks faced by mariners of the time.

Wreck Site Discovery

The exact location of the wreck remained undocumented for years. However, subsequent surveys and reports indicate that the Margaret F. Biglow likely rests on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Erie. Artifacts and remains from the ship could potentially offer valuable insights into the vessel’s design and its final moments.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 27, 1880

• Cause: Foundered during a severe storm

• Cargo: Coal

• Outcome: Total Loss of vessel and crew

Significance of the Site

The wreck of the Margaret F. Biglow is a stark reminder of the perils faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. The storm that claimed the ship and its crew underscores the unpredictability of these inland seas and the significant toll taken on those who depended on them for their livelihood.

Future Exploration and Preservation

The wreck of the Margaret F. Biglow, should it be located, would provide a valuable opportunity for researchers to study:

• 19th-Century Shipbuilding: Insights into the construction and rigging of wooden schooners.

• Storm Dynamics: Evidence of how severe weather impacted vessels of this type.

• Crew Life: Artifacts that may shed light on the daily experiences of sailors.

Efforts to locate and preserve the wreck could contribute to the broader understanding of Great Lakes maritime history.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive database of shipwrecks and maritime history.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical records documenting the loss of the Margaret F. Biglow.

• Great Lakes Historical Society: Resources on Great Lakes shipping and shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Margaret F. Biglow represents the resilience and challenges of 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Her loss in the storm of 1880, along with her entire crew, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks endured by those who sailed these inland seas. The vessel’s story remains an essential part of Lake Erie’s maritime history, reflecting the courage and sacrifice of sailors in the pursuit of trade and transportation.

Keywords

• Margaret F. Biglow

• Lake Erie Shipwreck

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Schooner

• 19th-Century Cargo Vessels

• South Bass Island