Trinidad (1867, Schooner)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Trinidad
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: William Keefe, Grand Island, New York
• Type of Ship: Three-masted Schooner
• Primary Trade: Transported grain between Milwaukee, Chicago, and Oswego, New York. Occasionally carried other cargo, such as coal, during her operational years.
• Dimensions: Length: 42.67 metres (140 feet)
• Date of Loss: May 13, 1881
• Location: About 10 miles off Algoma, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan, now resting in approximately 91 metres (300 feet) of water.
• Cargo: Coal, bound for Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Details of Sinking:

After successfully passing through the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, the Trinidad was discovered to be leaking heavily. The leak worsened rapidly as the ship sailed south along the Wisconsin shoreline.  Despite heroic efforts by the crew to pump out water, the Schooner began to sink quickly. At 4:45 AM, near Algoma, Wisconsin, the Trinidad plunged to the bottom, taking with it:

• All of the crew’s personal belongings.
• The captain’s beloved Newfoundland dog.
• The coal cargo.
• Thankfully, no human lives were lost, as the crew managed to escape before the Schooner went under.

Discovery of the Wreck

• Date Located: July 2023
• Discoverers: Maritime historians Brendon Baillod and Bob Jaeck.
• Survey: Conducted by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, which documented and assessed the wreck.

Wreck Description

The wreck of the Trinidad is remarkably well-preserved due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan, which slow the decomposition of wooden ships. Key features include:

• Hull: Largely intact, with the wooden structure displaying the craftsmanship of 19th-century Schooner construction.
• Decking: Still present in some sections, with visible evidence of the Schooner’s rigging and fittings.
• Cargo: The coal cargo remains visible in the hold.
• Artifacts: The crew’s belongings and other personal effects may still be present, preserved by the lake’s conditions.

At a depth of 91 metres (300 feet), the wreck is accessible only to technical divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

Historical Significance

The Trinidad is a classic example of the workhorse schooners that played a vital role in 19th-century Great Lakes commerce: Economic Role: Her grain and coal cargoes supported the industrial and agricultural economies of the Great Lakes region. Sailing Design: Schooners like the Trinidad were optimized for speed and efficiency, with shallow drafts that allowed them to navigate tight harbors and canals. Cultural History: The loss of the captain’s Newfoundland dog and the crew’s belongings adds a poignant human element to the story, reflecting the risks faced by sailors of the era.

Ongoing Efforts

 The State Historical Society of Wisconsin plans to. Nominate the wreck for the National Register of Historic Places. Preserve the site for future archaeological study and promote awareness of its historical significance.

Resources & Links

For additional information about the Trinidad and Great Lakes shipwrecks:

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks – Trinidad
• State Historical Society of Wisconsin
• Brendon Baillod’s Maritime Research
• Zac Whitlock – 3D Models

Conclusion

The Trinidad is a compelling example of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the schooners that supported 19th-century commerce. Its 2023 discovery provides an opportunity to explore the ship’s story and its place in the economic and cultural fabric of the Great Lakes region. While its cargo and the captain’s loyal dog remain at rest beneath Lake Michigan, its story will continue to resonate through historical preservation and study.

Schooner Trinidad (1867-1881) by Zach Whitrock on Sketchfab