Shipwreck Report: Schooner Barge Noquebay

Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: Noquebay
• •Type: Wooden Schooner Barge
• •Year Built: 1872
• •Builder: Not documented
• •Length: Not documented
• •Beam: Not documented
• •Depth: Not documented
• •Cargo at Time of Loss: 600,000 board-feet of hemlock lumber
• •Location of Wreck: Chequamegon Bay, Lake Superior
• •Depth of Wreck: Not specified
• •Date of Loss: October 1905
• •Cause of Loss: Fire

Vessel Type Description

Originally constructed as a Schooner in 1872, Noquebay was later repurposed as a lumber Barge to meet the growing demand for transporting raw materials across the Great Lakes. This wooden vessel, once independent under sail, was modified to operate as part of a tow, reflecting the shift in maritime practices during the late 19th century. Its primary role was hauling large quantities of lumber, a critical commodity for the expanding industrial Midwest.

History

Noquebay was part of the Great Lakes lumber trade, an industry vital to the economic development of the region. Operated by T. H. Madden of the Madden Company, the vessel regularly transported timber, typically in tandem with other barges like the Mautenee, towed by the Steamship Lizzie Madden.

On the fateful day in October 1905, Noquebay was loaded with a cargo of 600,000 board-feet of hemlock lumber, prepared for a journey from Ashland, Wisconsin, to Buffalo, New York. After waiting for Lizzie Madden in Bayfield, Wisconsin, the vessels departed together. However, disaster struck when a fire broke out on Noquebay, originating near the donkey boiler compartment.

The crew’s efforts to contain the fire proved futile. With the blaze spreading uncontrollably, the crew Abandoned the ship and sought safety aboard Lizzie Madden. Despite their attempts to salvage the vessel and cargo by throwing lumber overboard, the inferno consumed Noquebay, forcing the crew to continue towing Mautenee and leave the burning Barge behind.

Final Disposition

Noquebay succumbed to the flames and sank in Chequamegon Bay, Lake Superior. The wreck was later designated as a site of historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, preserving its legacy as an integral part of Great Lakes maritime history.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Status: The wreck site is protected under the National Register of Historic Places.

•Advisories: Access to the site for diving or research should comply with regional regulations governing underwater archaeological sites.

Located By & Date

The wreck of Noquebay remains documented as a historic site but specific survey details and coordinates have not been disclosed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies undisturbed in the depths of Chequamegon Bay. While the exact condition is not publicly detailed, it is considered a site of archaeological and historical significance, reflecting the vessel’s role in the Great Lakes timber trade.

Resources & Links

• •National Register of Historic Places: Official listing for the wreck of Noquebay.
• •Great Lakes Maritime Database: Records and historical documentation of Great Lakes vessels.
• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive history and details of shipwrecks in the region.
• 3DShipwrecks – Noquebay

3D Model – Noquebay

Noquebay by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The tragic loss of the Noquebay highlights the challenges of Great Lakes navigation and the dangers faced by crews working in the lumber trade. From its construction as a Schooner to its transformation into a lumber Barge, Noquebay served a crucial role in the maritime economy. Its fiery demise in 1905 and its designation as a historic site ensure that its legacy endures, providing valuable insights into the history of commerce and navigation on the Great Lakes.

Tags

#Noquebay #LakeSuperiorShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #LumberBarge #HistoricShipwrecks #ChequamegonBay