IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: CHARLEY

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1863

• Builder: A.B. Meyer, Detroit, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 113 feet (34.4 meters)

• Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)

• Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Tonnage: 50 tons

• Location: Mouth of Beaver River, Minnesota, Lake Superior

• Year Lost: May 10, 1881

• Final Disposition: Possibly wrecked at dock; later repaired or lost under unknown circumstances

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHARLEY was a small but sturdy wooden Schooner, built to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the CHARLEY were essential for regional trade during the mid-to-late 19th century, facilitating the movement of raw materials, lumber, and other goods. The vessel’s relatively modest dimensions made it ideal for navigating narrow harbors and rivers, as well as enduring the challenging weather conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

Construction and Service Life

The CHARLEY was constructed in 1863 by A.B. Meyer in Detroit, Michigan, during a period of rapid maritime expansion on the Great Lakes. As a Schooner, it contributed to the thriving trade network that connected the Upper Midwest with eastern markets.

Throughout its nearly two decades of service, the CHARLEY likely carried cargoes such as lumber, grain, or coal, essential to the growing industries and communities around the Great Lakes. Schooners like the CHARLEY were the workhorses of their time, helping to shape the economic and social fabric of the region.

Final Incident

On May 10, 1881, the CHARLEY met its end at the mouth of the Beaver River, located in Minnesota on Lake Superior. The exact circumstances surrounding the loss are unclear. The vessel may have been wrecked at its dock, possibly due to a storm or structural failure. There is also speculation that the Schooner could have been repaired and returned to service, as historical records lack definitive closure on the incident.

Adding to the mystery, a Schooner named CHARLIE was reported missing in 1877 near Whitefish Point. It is uncertain whether this was the same vessel or a separate Schooner with a similar name, further complicating the narrative of the CHARLEY’s final years.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CHARLEY’s ultimate fate remains ambiguous. If it was repaired after the 1881 incident, there is no documentation of its later voyages or final loss. However, its connection to the perilous waters of Lake Superior and the challenges of Schooner navigation during that era underscores the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

The CHARLEY’s story highlights the critical role schooners played in the development of commerce and industry in the Great Lakes region. Its loss serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks of storms, mechanical failures, and navigational hazards on these vast inland seas.

POTENTIAL FOR DISCOVERY

The site of the CHARLEY’s wreck near the Beaver River could hold historical significance if remnants of the vessel remain. Discovering the wreckage would offer valuable insights into mid-19th century shipbuilding and trade practices on the Great Lakes. Any artifacts or structural remnants would provide a tangible connection to the era of Schooner dominance.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for shipwrecks and historical vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archive of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including lesser-known vessels like the CHARLEY.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Repository for records on vessels built and operated in the Great Lakes region.

• Whitefish Point Historical Society: Offers insights into maritime history near the site of the 1877 incident involving the Schooner CHARLIE.

CONCLUSION

The Schooner CHARLEY, built in 1863, is a symbol of the resilience and risks faced by 19th-century sailors and shipbuilders. Its ambiguous end at the mouth of the Beaver River in 1881 reflects the unpredictable nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes. Whether wrecked, repaired, or lost under other circumstances, the CHARLEY remains part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.

KEYWORDS

CHARLEY Schooner, Lake Superior shipwrecks, Beaver River wreck, Great Lakes maritime history, Schooner cargo vessels, 19th-century shipbuilding, A.B. Meyer, Detroit schooners, Whitefish Point shipwreck mystery