Schooner Triumph (1855–1865)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Triumph
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: None (pre-1869 U.S. vessel documentation era)
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden two-masted Schooner
• Builder: J. Harbridge, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
• Year Built & Launched: 1855
• Specifications:  Length: 88 ft (26.8 m) Beam: 21 ft (6.4 m) Depth: 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 129 GT
• Date Lost: September 16, 1865
• Location of Loss: Near Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan
• Cause of Loss: Storm (Total Loss in a gale)
• Loss of Life: None mentioned
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Unknown

Vessel Description & Service History

The Triumph was a wooden two-masted Schooner, built in 1855 at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, by J. Harbridge. She was part of the growing fleet of Great Lakes sailing vessels that transported grain, lumber, and general cargo between Midwestern ports like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit  Owned by Smith & Sons of Chicago, the Triumph was actively engaged in cargo trade on Lake Michigan. She was commanded by Captain Peterson at the time of her loss.  Given her size and build, she was likely used for short-haul cargo transport between regional ports.

Final Voyage & Loss (1865)

On September 16, 1865, the Triumph encountered a severe storm near Chicago. The high winds and waves overwhelmed the vessel, leading to her complete destruction  No details were recorded about salvage efforts, suggesting that the wreckage may have been scattered or irretrievable.  No fatalities were reported, meaning the crew likely Abandoned ship in time.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• Declared a Total Loss due to storm damage.
• No known salvage efforts.
• No confirmed remains of the wreck have been discovered.
• No confirmed wreck site identified.
• Possible remains may exist near Chicago in shallow waters or buried under shifting sands.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Chicago’s nearshore waters were a common location for shipwrecks, as vessels often Foundered while attempting to enter or leave port during storms. Mid-19th century schooners were prone to storm damage, especially when caught in open water without adequate protection. The lack of detailed records suggests that the Triumph was not a high-profile vessel, and her loss may have been overshadowed by larger shipwrecks of the time.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Triumph was a mid-sized Schooner operating in the Great Lakes cargo trade, lost to a violent storm near Chicago in 1865. While her cargo and exact loss details remain unknown, her wreck has never been located. Like many similar vessels of her time, the Triumph was a workhorse of the Great Lakes, but her memory has largely faded into history.