IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Names: Scow MEDORA and Schooner H. B. STEELE

•Type: Wooden Scow (MEDORA); Schooner (H. B. STEELE)

•Location: Near Grim’s Pier, Wolf River, Great Lakes Region

•Incident Date: Not precisely documented

•Depth of Wreck: MEDORA sank in 7 feet (2.1 meters) of water

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

MEDORA (Scow):

The MEDORA was a wooden scow built in 1861 in Clayton, New York. Scows were flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged, utilitarian vessels designed for transporting bulk goods like lumber, coal, or general cargo. With a burden of 64 tons and valued at $2,000, the MEDORA was a workhorse of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.

H. B. STEELE (Schooner):

The H. B. STEELE was a traditional Great Lakes Schooner used for transporting goods. Schooners were versatile sailing vessels known for their speed and capacity, making them integral to the region’s bustling trade routes.

HISTORY

The MEDORA and H. B. STEELE were engaged in maritime operations near Grim’s Pier at Wolf River when disaster struck. The MEDORA was docked and loading cargo when an unexpected storm swept through the area. In an effort to avoid being trapped by the worsening conditions, the H. B. STEELE attempted to leave the pier.

During the commotion, the Schooner collided with the MEDORA, causing a severe breach in the scow’s Hull. Water quickly flooded the vessel, and it sank to the riverbed in just 7 feet of water. Despite efforts to salvage the MEDORA, it was deemed a Total Loss, with the structure breaking apart due to flooding and storm-related damage.

VESSEL INFORMATION

MEDORA

•Build Year: 1861

•Builder: Not documented

•Construction Material: Wood

•Classification: C1 vessel

•Home Port: Detroit, Michigan

•Official Number: 16451

•Dimensions: Not documented

•Cargo: General freight

The scow operated primarily on the Great Lakes, frequently documented in the Chicago Tribune from 1869 to 1878. It served as a reliable commercial vessel until its demise.

H. B. STEELE

Details about the H. B. STEELE are limited, but its role in the collision with the MEDORA highlights the challenges of operating schooners during adverse weather conditions.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The MEDORA was lost following the collision with the H. B. STEELE. The vessel sank in shallow water and was damaged beyond repair. The wreck likely broke apart soon after the incident and was not recoverable.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The MEDORA’s location was evident at the time of the sinking due to its proximity to Grim’s Pier and the shallow depth. There is no modern record of an exploration or rediscovery effort for the wreck.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•NOTMARs: No contemporary Notices to Mariners exist, given the 19th-century nature of the event.

•Advisories: The incident serves as a historical case study for the risks of navigating busy maritime zones during inclement weather.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: GL Shipwrecks

•Chicago Tribune Archives: Historical records from 1869 to 1878 provide detailed accounts of vessels like the MEDORA.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: For comprehensive listings of Great Lakes maritime incidents.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

The loss of the MEDORA is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by sailors and their vessels on the Great Lakes. The collision underscores the challenges of navigating during storms, particularly in areas of high maritime activity. Despite its loss, the MEDORA’s history enriches our understanding of 19th-century commercial maritime operations.

KEYWORDS

MEDORA, H. B. STEELE, Scow, Schooner, Wolf River, Grim’s Pier, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, 19th-Century Maritime History, Commercial Vessels

CONCLUSION

The story of the MEDORA and its tragic loss near Grim’s Pier exemplifies the risks of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. The scow’s service in regional commerce and its untimely demise highlight the integral role of vessels like the MEDORA in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Its legacy endures as a chapter in the rich maritime history of North America’s inland seas.