Identification & Site Information

•Name: CONSTITUTION

•Type: Schooner Barge

•Location: Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 41° 36.504’ N, 82° 43.752’ W

•Depth: 20 feet (7 meters)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 148 feet (45 meters)

•Beam: 32 feet (9.8 meters)

•Depth: 13 feet (4 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Original: 562 tons (old style)

•Post-modification: 422 gross tons, 401.54 net tons

Vessel Description

The CONSTITUTION, built in 1861 by Benjamin B. Jones in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a wooden-hulled Schooner Barge with three masts. It was designed for transporting bulk goods such as grain, wheat, and limestone. Its sturdy construction and large capacity of 26,000 bushels made it a critical asset for Great Lakes trade during the late 19th century.

History

Construction & Early Service:

•Launch Date: March 21, 1861, enrolled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

•Cargo Capacity: Specialized in transporting bulk goods like wheat and limestone.

Notable Incidents:

•1862: Collided with Schooner W.B. OGDEN on Lake Huron.

•1869: Suffered sail damage on Lake Huron and underwent repairs in Port Huron, Michigan.

•1873: Ran aground at Peche Island in the Detroit River while carrying grain.

•1876: Went ashore at Whitefish Point but was salvaged and repaired in Manitowoc.

•1889: Ran aground multiple times, including incidents at Middle Island requiring the jettisoning of coal cargo.

Ownership Changes & Modifications:

•1871: Purchased by Porter & Merrill of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

•1879: Ownership transferred to F. Hurlbut of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

•1881: Received significant modifications, including a new Stern, altering its dimensions and tonnage.

•1891: Purchased by Fred Krause in Port Huron.

•1898: Towed by the MAGGIE DUNCAN alongside the vessel FAVORITE.

Final Voyage:

•On September 21, 1906, the CONSTITUTION sank at the dock in Kelley’s Island. The vessel was overloaded with limestone and owned by Runnels & Sinclair of Port Huron at the time of its sinking.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the CONSTITUTION lies at a depth of 20 feet (7 meters) near Kelley’s Island in Lake Erie. Despite its relatively shallow depth, the site provides a fascinating look at the robust construction and modifications typical of 19th-century Schooner barges.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition:

•The wreck is well-preserved for its age, with the wooden Hull and structural components visible.

•Brass and iron fittings may still be found amid the debris.

•Accessibility:

•Depth of 20 feet makes it suitable for recreational divers and snorkelers.

•Visibility may vary due to sediment and weather conditions in Lake Erie.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

There are no specific Notices to Mariners for this wreck site, but mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating near Kelley’s Island and remain aware of shallow areas and wreck debris.

Historical Significance

The CONSTITUTION exemplifies the evolution of maritime shipping on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its multiple ownership changes, repeated incidents, and eventual sinking reflect the challenges faced by vessels operating in a demanding trade environment. As a Schooner Barge, it played a vital role in transporting essential materials, including grain and limestone, that fueled the industrial growth of the region.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database of Great Lakes shipwrecks for additional details on the CONSTITUTION.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research: For environmental data related to Lake Erie wreck sites.

Conclusion

The wreck of the CONSTITUTION serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and challenges of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its accessible location near Kelley’s Island makes it a valuable site for divers and maritime historians, offering insights into the design and operational history of Schooner barges.

Tags:

#CONSTITUTION #SchoonerBarge #LakeErie #KelleysIsland #GreatLakesShipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckDiving