Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: Newell A. Eddy
• •Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
• •Year Built: May 6, 1890
• •Builder: Unknown
• •Dimensions:
• •Length: 242 feet
• •Beam: 39.7 feet
• •Depth: 16 feet
• •Gross Tonnage: 2,200 tons
• •Owner: Eddy Transportation Company
• •Cargo: 81,000 bushels of wheat
• •Valuation: $70,000
• •Final Resting Place: Presumed Hammond Bay, Lake Huron
• •Date of Wreck: April 20, 1893

Vessel Type Description

The Newell A. Eddy was a large wooden Schooner built for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. At 242 feet in length and 2,200 gross tons, it was among the larger sailing vessels on the lakes, designed to carry substantial loads such as grain, coal, and other commodities. Schooners like the Newell A. Eddy played a crucial role in the economic growth of the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century, often working in tandem with steamers that would tow them to their destinations.

History

The Newell A. Eddy, launched in 1890, was part of the fleet operated by the Eddy Transportation Company, contributing to the bustling grain trade on the Great Lakes. On April 20, 1893, while carrying 81,000 bushels of wheat, the Schooner was being towed by the Steamer Charles Eddy when disaster struck.

During a severe gale on Lake Michigan, the Charles Eddy suffered a broken steering gear, rendering it incapable of assisting the Newell A. Eddy when it broke loose from the Towline. The storm drove the Schooner toward Spectacle Reef, where it struck violently and was torn apart by the waves.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Newell A. Eddy was catastrophic, with the vessel breaking apart after striking Spectacle Reef. The Stern of the Schooner, with the vessel’s name still legible, washed ashore near Bois Blanc lights, a stark testament to the storm’s ferocity. Tragically, all seven crew members were lost, their lives claimed by the tumultuous waters.

The remains of the Schooner are believed to have settled in Hammond Bay, Lake Michigan, but the wreckage is scattered and fragmented due to the force of the storm and subsequent years of submersion. The cargo of wheat, valued at the time, was also lost in the incident.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the wreck of the Newell A. Eddy. The area around Spectacle Reef and Hammond Bay remains a challenging navigation zone due to submerged hazards and unpredictable weather conditions, especially for modern mariners.

Located By & Date

The wreck has not been formally identified or explored in detail, though the location is presumed to be Hammond Bay, based on historical accounts and the discovery of debris near Bois Blanc lights.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the violent nature of the Newell A. Eddy’s wreck and the passage of time, the remnants are likely widely dispersed and heavily deteriorated. The Stern piece found ashore suggests significant destruction, and any remaining wreckage would be a challenge to locate and document. The site holds historical significance, particularly as a reminder of the risks faced by schooners and their crews during the Great Lakes shipping era.

Resources & Links

• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Contains records and details of wrecks like the Newell A. Eddy.
• •Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Offers insights into notable shipwrecks and their historical context.
• •NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Focuses on preserving Great Lakes maritime history.
• 3DShipwrecks – Newell Eddy

Conclusion

The loss of the Newell A. Eddy on April 20, 1893, highlights the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th century. Despite its sturdy construction and significant cargo capacity, the Schooner was no match for the gale that drove it to disaster on Spectacle Reef. The loss of the ship, its crew, and its valuable cargo remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners and the vulnerability of even the largest vessels to the forces of nature.

Keywords

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeMichigan #NewellAEddy #Schooner #SpectacleReef #BoisBlanc #GreatLakesShipping #MaritimeHistory #19thCenturyDisaster

3D Model – Newell Eddy

Newell Eddy by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab