Identification & Site Information

• Name: THOMAS HUME
• Other Names: Built as H.C. ALBRECHT, renamed THOMAS HUME in 1883
• Official Number: 95135
• Date Built and Launched: 1870
• Builder: J. Hanson, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Measurements: Length: 132 ft (40.23 m) Beam: 26 ft (7.92 m) Depth: 9 ft (2.74 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 210 tons
• Net Tonnage: 199 tons
• Date Lost: May 21, 1891
• Place of Loss: Along the Chicago-Muskegon route, Lake Michigan
• Lake: Michigan

Vessel Type

Wooden Schooner, designed for general cargo transport, specifically for the booming lumber trade between Muskegon, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois.

Description

The THOMAS HUME was originally built as the H.C. ALBRECHT in 1870 by J. Hanson of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a prominent shipbuilding center on the western shore of Lake Michigan. The Schooner was 132 feet long and constructed primarily for the Great Lakes lumber trade, which was a key economic driver for cities like Muskegon during the late 19th century.

In 1883, the vessel was renamed THOMAS HUME after being purchased by Hackley & Hume, a major lumber firm based in Muskegon. The ship underwent major repairs in 1884, likely to extend its service life and maintain its competitiveness in the rapidly growing shipping industry.

History

As part of the Hackley & Hume fleet, the THOMAS HUME transported lumber between Muskegon and Chicago, a critical route during the height of the Great Lakes lumber boom. The vessel was under the command of Captain Harry Albrightson at the time of its final voyage.

By the early 1890s, schooners like the THOMAS HUME were increasingly vulnerable to the unpredictable weather conditions on Lake Michigan and the competition from steam-powered vessels, which were becoming the dominant force in Great Lakes shipping.

Final Disposition

On May 21, 1891, the THOMAS HUME departed Chicago bound for Muskegon, reportedly sailing light (without cargo) to pick up a load of lumber. While en route, the Schooner encountered heavy weather on Lake Michigan and subsequently disappeared with all six crew members aboard.

Despite extensive search efforts and rewards offered for any information regarding the vessel’s fate, no trace of the ship or crew was ever found at the time. The complete disappearance of the THOMAS HUME contributed to its reputation as one of Lake Michigan’s maritime mysteries.

In 1905, a vessel thought to be the THOMAS HUME was reportedly discovered off New Buffalo, Michigan, but the identification was never confirmed, and the mystery surrounding its disappearance persisted for over a century.

Discovery

In 2006, after more than a century of speculation, the wreck of the THOMAS HUME was definitively located by Great Lakes shipwreck hunters using advanced sonar technology. The Schooner was found intact and upright on the bottom of Lake Michigan, approximately 20 miles off the coast of Chicago. The discovery confirmed that the vessel had likely capsized during the storm and sank rapidly, leaving no time for the crew to escape or signal for help.

The wreck remains a time capsule from the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into the design and construction of schooners from that era.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return. No navigational hazards related to this wreck are reported, as it lies at a significant depth and poses no danger to modern shipping.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
• Discovery Channel Special: *The Hunt for the *THOMAS HUME***

Conclusion

The THOMAS HUME‘s disappearance in 1891 and its eventual discovery in 2006 highlight both the dangers of Great Lakes navigation and the enduring mysteries of maritime history. As a vessel tied to the Great Lakes lumber boom, its story is emblematic of the economic and industrial forces shaping the region in the late 19th century. The Schooner’s sudden loss with all hands aboard remains a poignant reminder of the risks faced by sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan.