Identification & Site Information

• Name: Queen City
• Former Names: None
• Official Registration Number: 20563
• Date Built and Launched: 1873, by Dixon & Ellinwood, West Bay City, Michigan
• Measurements: Length: 183 ft (55.8 m) Beam: 36 ft (11 m) Depth: 13 ft (4 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 676 tons
• Net Tonnage: 642 tons
• Date of Loss: September 23, 1895
• Place of Loss: Hog Island Reef, northeast of St. James, Beaver Island, Lake Michigan

Vessel Type

The Queen City was a three-masted wooden schooner designed for transporting bulk cargo, particularly coal, across the Great Lakes. Schooners of this size were commonly employed in the late 19th century for heavy freight transport, often operating in tows or convoys alongside steam-powered vessels.

Description

Built in 1873 by Dixon & Ellinwood in West Bay City, Michigan, the Queen City was a large Schooner with three masts, optimized for carrying coal and other bulk materials. At 183 feet in length, she was capable of transporting substantial loads between major Great Lakes ports such as Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee.

Owned out of Cleveland by Captain George Benham, the Queen City was a key vessel in the coal trade, supplying industrial cities and smaller settlements alike. Schooners like the Queen City were vital components of the Great Lakes shipping network, especially during the coal boom of the late 19th century.

History and Service Life

Coal Transport on the Great Lakes (1873–1895): For over two decades, the Queen City served in the Great Lakes freight trade, primarily hauling coal from Cleveland to ports around Lake Michigan. Her sturdy wooden Hull and large cargo capacity made her ideal for the coal shipping industry, which was essential for fueling industrial growth across the region.

Final Voyage and Shelter Attempt: On her final voyage in September 1895, the Queen City was loaded with coal and sailing through Lake Michigan when she encountered a severe storm. Seeking shelter, the Schooner attempted to navigate near Hog Island Reef, northeast of Beaver Island, but was ultimately driven onto the reef by the high winds and rough seas.

Final Disposition and Loss (1895)

• Cause of Loss: Storm and Grounding
• Date of Loss: September 23, 1895
• Location: Hog Island Reef, northeast of St. James, Beaver Island, Lake Michigan

While attempting to shelter from a storm, the Queen City was driven onto Hog Island Reef. The impact and relentless pounding from the waves caused the vessel to take on water and sink. The crew of eight climbed into the rigging to escape the rising water and await rescue.

The next day, the Beaver Island lifesaving crew braved treacherous conditions to rescue the stranded sailors. The operation was described as a great struggle, highlighting both the severity of the storm and the bravery of the rescue team.

After the vessel sank, the wreck was reportedly stripped by local “pirates” from Beaver Island. The term likely refers to locals salvaging valuable materials from the wreck before official salvage crews could arrive.

Loss of Life

None: All eight crew members survived by climbing into the rigging and were rescued by the Beaver Island lifesaving team the next day.

Final Disposition

The Queen City sank on Hog Island Reef, northeast of St. James on Beaver Island, and was declared a Total Loss. The vessel was reportedly stripped of valuables by local salvagers shortly after the sinking. The wreck remains a historical site in the Lake Michigan area.

Wreck Discovery and Current Status

• Wreck Location: The Queen City’s wreck is located near Hog Island Reef, in the Beaver Island archipelago of Lake Michigan.
• Condition of the Wreck: The vessel’s wooden Hull has broken apart due to the storm damage and subsequent salvage activities. Over time, the freshwater environment of Lake Michigan has preserved some parts of the Hull.
• Diving and Exploration: The site can be of interest to divers and maritime historians. However, the wreck’s proximity to the reef and potential navigational hazards make it a site that requires careful exploration.

Historical Significance

Role in the Great Lakes Coal Trade: The Queen City played a significant role in the coal transport industry on the Great Lakes, helping to fuel the industrial growth of Midwestern cities in the late 19th century. Her loss highlights the dangers faced by schooners navigating the storm-prone waters of Lake Michigan.

Beaver Island Lifesaving Efforts: The rescue of the crew by the Beaver Island lifesaving team exemplifies the courage and dedication of Great Lakes lifesaving services during this era. The successful rescue under dangerous conditions is a testament to the skill and resilience of these early rescue crews.

Local Salvage Practices (“Piracy”): The reported stripping of the wreck by Beaver Island locals provides a glimpse into the salvage culture of the time. While often seen as piracy, such actions were common in isolated communities that relied on shipwreck salvage for materials and economic survival.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck site near Hog Island Reef poses navigational hazards for vessels in the area. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near Beaver Island and Hog Island Reef.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Maritime Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Beaver Island Historical Society
• Michigan Shipwreck Research Association

Conclusion

The Queen City, a three-masted wooden Schooner built in 1873 by Dixon & Ellinwood in West Bay City, Michigan, was a vital part of the Great Lakes coal trade for over two decades. Her loss in a storm on Hog Island Reef in 1895 underscores the hazards of Lake Michigan navigation and the resilience of the maritime community.

The successful rescue of the crew by the Beaver Island lifesaving team highlights the heroism of Great Lakes rescue operations, while the subsequent salvage of the wreck by local “pirates” reflects the resourcefulness of coastal communities. The Queen City remains a symbol of the challenges and triumphs of Great Lakes maritime history.

Suggested Keywords: Queen City Schooner, Lake Michigan shipwrecks, Hog Island Reef maritime history, Beaver Island lifesaving service, Dixon & Ellinwood shipbuilders, Great Lakes coal transport.

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Schooners, Maritime Disasters in Michigan, 19th Century Coal Trade.

Glossary Terms: Three-masted Schooner, Lifesaving Service, Hog Island Reef, Beaver Island Maritime History, Great Lakes Coal Trade.