Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: NORTHWEST

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Date of Incident: October 24, 1876

•Location: Off Racine, Lake Michigan

•Cargo: 30,000 bushels of corn, en route from Chicago to Buffalo

•Ownership: Captains W.M. Egan and Cal Carr, Chicago

•Value: $15,000 (insured for $10,000)

•Condition: Total Loss

Vessel Description

The NORTHWEST was a wooden Schooner, notable for its speed and success during its career on the Great Lakes. The vessel was a 458-ton freighter designed to transport bulk goods efficiently. It was a well-known ship among Great Lakes mariners, celebrated for its fast-sailing capabilities and reliability.

Incident Overview

On October 24, 1876, the Schooner NORTHWEST met its tragic end after a collision with the Schooner F.L. DANFORTH off Racine, Lake Michigan. At the time of the accident:

•The NORTHWEST was carrying a substantial cargo of 30,000 bushels of corn from Chicago to Buffalo.

•The collision caused catastrophic damage to the NORTHWEST, leading to its sinking.

•The crew of the NORTHWEST were successfully rescued by the F.L. DANFORTH, which sustained only minimal damage in the incident.

Ownership & Legal Actions

•Ownership: The NORTHWEST was co-owned by Captain W.M. Egan and Captain Cal Carr, both based in Chicago.

•Legal Action: Following the incident, Hon. Wiley M. Egan initiated legal proceedings against the owners of the F.L. DANFORTH for damages amounting to $16,300, citing the loss of the Schooner and its valuable cargo. The outcome of this case remains a subject of historical interest.

Historical Significance

The sinking of the NORTHWEST is a reminder of the hazards faced by sailors navigating the busy shipping lanes of Lake Michigan during the 19th century. The loss of a well-regarded vessel like the NORTHWEST, despite its reputation for speed and reliability, underscores the ever-present risks of collision in the crowded waterways of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The NORTHWEST sank completely, taking its cargo of 30,000 bushels of corn to the lakebed. The exact location of the wreck is near Racine, Lake Michigan. No efforts to salvage the vessel are recorded, and its remains likely rest undisturbed on the lakebed.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the wreck of the NORTHWEST. However, as with all historical wrecks, mariners and divers in the area should exercise caution and respect for the site.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

Keywords

•NORTHWEST Shipwreck

•Lake Michigan Shipwreck

•Schooner Collision

•19th Century Maritime History

•Great Lakes Shipping

•Wreck Off Racine

•F.L. DANFORTH Collision

Conclusion

The sinking of the NORTHWEST after its collision with the F.L. DANFORTH highlights the inherent dangers of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Despite its loss, the swift action of the DANFORTH’s crew in rescuing the sailors of the NORTHWEST reflects the camaraderie and quick thinking often required in such perilous conditions. The legal battle that followed further illustrates the economic and personal stakes tied to Great Lakes shipping during this period.