Identification & Site Information

• •Wreck Name: ANTELOPE
• •Type: Propeller Steamship
• •Date of Incident: Foundered in 1897
• •Location: Lake Superior (Final incident), originally built in Newport, Michigan
• •Condition: Believed to have sunk; exact location not determined

Vessel Type Description

The ANTELOPE was a propeller Steamship, a design well-suited for the mid-19th-century Great Lakes shipping needs. Built in 1861 by J.L. Wolverton in Newport, Michigan, it was constructed to efficiently transport bulk cargoes such as grain and lumber. With a Gross Tonnage of 627 tons, the ANTELOPE was a robust and sizable vessel for its time. It was initially classified as an A 2 vessel, signifying a high standard of construction and reliability.

Owned originally by E.B. Ward of Detroit, a leading industrialist and shipowner, the ANTELOPE was integral to the region’s maritime economy.

History

The ANTELOPE experienced a dramatic and eventful career spanning over three decades:

Early Years The vessel was launched in 1861 and used to transport grain and other goods, facilitating the burgeoning trade on the Great Lakes. By 1867, ownership had shifted to Lathrop & Co. of Racine.

The 1867 Fire. On November 17, 1867, a fire broke out while the ship was docked in Buffalo, New York. The blaze, originating near the boiler, consumed the vessel along with a cargo of 17,000 bushels of wheat and 600 barrels of flour. The total damage was estimated at $150,000, of which $94,000 was covered by insurance. The fire nearly marked the end of the ANTELOPE, but its story continued.

Reconstruction In 1868, the burned Hull was towed to Detroit by the Tug Winslow. Purchased by Ballentyne and Crawford, the vessel was Rebuilt at Clark’s drydock in Detroit and converted into a steam lumber Barge. By late 1868, the ANTELOPE returned to service, continuing its operations on the Great Lakes.

Final Fate In 1897, after decades of service, the ANTELOPE met its final misfortune in Lake Superior, where it Foundered. The circumstances of the incident are unclear, but the Great Lakes’ often harsh conditions likely played a role. This marked the end of its remarkable 36-year career.

Final Disposition

The ANTELOPE Foundered in Lake Superior in 1897, concluding its service life. Despite its resilience and a thorough Rebuild following the 1867 fire, the vessel succumbed to the hazards of Great Lakes navigation. The exact location of its wreck remains unknown.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the ANTELOPE’s wreck site. Mariners in Lake Superior are advised to exercise caution due to the region’s history of shipwrecks and challenging navigation conditions.

Located By & Date

The precise location of the ANTELOPE’s wreck has not been documented. Historical records and insurance documents provide details of its operations and incidents but do not pinpoint the vessel’s final resting place.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Database
• Great Lakes Ships: Historical Vessel Records
• Merchant Vessels of the United States: By the U.S. Bureau of Customs
• Historical Newspapers: Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Buffalo Daily Republic, and Erie Maritime History
• 3DShipwrecks – Antelope

Conclusion

The ANTELOPE is a symbol of resilience and determination in Great Lakes maritime history. Despite a catastrophic fire in 1867, the vessel was Rebuilt and continued serving the region’s economy for almost three more decades. Its eventual loss in Lake Superior underscores the risks inherent in Great Lakes navigation. The story of the ANTELOPE highlights the ingenuity of its builders and operators and reflects the maritime community’s indomitable spirit during a transformative period in shipping history.

Keywords

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeSuperior #MaritimeHistory #Steamship #Antelope #19thCenturyShipping #GreatLakesMaritime #UnderwaterExploration #ShipwreckReconstruction #HistoricVessels

3D Model

Shipwreck Antelope by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab