IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: DREDNAUGHT (also referred to as GRENADA)

•Type: Wooden-Hulled Schooner

•Build Date: Unknown

•Dimensions: 150 feet in length

•Cargo: Iron ore

•Final Location: Near Duncan City, Lake Michigan

•Incident Date: December 2, 1875

•Preservation Area: Part of the Alger Underwater Preserve

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The DREDNAUGHT, also known as GRENADA, was a wooden three-masted Schooner. Such vessels were the workhorses of the Great Lakes during the 19th century, designed to carry bulk cargoes like iron ore, timber, and grain. With a length of 150 feet, the Schooner was well-suited for navigating the Great Lakes, but like many vessels of its time, it was vulnerable to the severe weather that often swept across these waters.

HISTORY

On December 2, 1875, the DREDNAUGHT/GRENADA found itself caught in a violent storm near Duncan City. Laden with iron ore, the Schooner succumbed to the elements, foundering in Lake Michigan. While the crew’s fate and details of the wrecking event are not comprehensively documented, the loss of the vessel underscored the harsh and unpredictable conditions of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century.

Recovery Efforts

In the aftermath, the wreck became a point of focus for salvage operations. Captain Nickerson of Cleveland spearheaded efforts to raise the GRENADA from the lakebed. Remarkably, the Schooner was found largely intact and was successfully raised and towed to the river for repairs. Restoration was estimated to cost around $200, a significant sum at the time but a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes vessels.

Disputed Identity

Over the years, the identity of the wreck became a matter of debate, with some referring to it as DREDNAUGHT and others as GRENADA. Regardless of the name, the Schooner became a celebrated part of the maritime history of the region, eventually being recognized as part of the Alger Underwater Preserve, which is home to numerous shipwrecks that serve as a draw for divers and history enthusiasts.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The DREDNAUGHT/GRENADA was raised and repaired, suggesting it may have continued its service for some time after the incident. However, its ultimate fate remains unclear, with no comprehensive records detailing its subsequent operations or another loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•The site of the wreck is included within the Alger Underwater Preserve, a protected area in Lake Michigan.

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Alger Underwater Preserve

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

CONCLUSION

The story of the DREDNAUGHT/GRENADA encapsulates the risks and challenges faced by sailors on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Its recovery and repair efforts reflect the determination of maritime communities to preserve their vessels and livelihoods. Today, the wreck stands as a historical artifact within the Alger Underwater Preserve, drawing divers and historians to unravel the mysteries of its past.

KEYWORDS

#DREDNAUGHT #GRENADA #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeMichigan #MaritimeHistory #SchoonerWreck #DuncanCity #AlgerUnderwaterPreserve #IronOreCargo #19thCenturySailing