IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: CHENANGO

• Vessel Type: Barkentine (Three-Masted Sailing Ship)

• Official Number: 4335

• Year Built: 1862

• Builder: Ira Lafrinier, Cleveland, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Gross Tonnage: 384 tons (old style)

• Construction: Wooden Hull

• Owners:

• Initially: N.C. Winslow & Co., Cleveland, Ohio

• Later: N.C. Winslow, Buffalo, New York, and Ferris, Chicago, Illinois

• Final Location: Wood Island Reef, near Munising, Michigan, Lake Superior

• Date of Loss: November 19, 1875

• Cargo at Loss: Pig Iron

• Depth: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHENANGO was a Barkentine, a three-masted vessel with square-rigged sails on the foremast and Fore-and-Aft Sails on the remaining masts. This design allowed for better maneuverability and efficiency, especially when navigating the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. Built in Cleveland in 1862, it was a robust wooden vessel tailored to the needs of 19th-century maritime trade, with a capacity to carry heavy cargo such as iron and lumber.

HISTORY

The CHENANGO was launched in 1862, entering service at the height of Great Lakes maritime activity. It was initially owned by N.C. Winslow & Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, and became a frequent sight on the lakes, transporting cargo between major ports.

Notable Incidents:

• August 1864: While sailing on Lake Huron, the CHENANGO collided with the propeller WENONA, sustaining damage to its jibboom and parts of its headgear.

• August 1865: The vessel ran aground at the mouth of Green Bay on Lake Michigan.

• Ownership Changes: By 1866, ownership passed to N.C. Winslow of Buffalo, NY, and in 1871, to Ferris of Chicago, IL.

FINAL LOSS

On November 19, 1875, the CHENANGO faced its final tragedy. While being towed by the Tug JAY C. MORSE, a sudden squall struck, severing the Towline. Left to fend for itself in the turbulent waters of Lake Superior, the vessel was pushed aground on Wood Island Reef, near Munising, Michigan. The storm’s ferocity destroyed the CHENANGO in a matter of hours.

• Crew & Lives Saved: Despite the ship’s complete destruction, no lives were lost in the incident. The crew managed to abandon the vessel safely.

• Cargo Lost: The entire cargo of Pig Iron sank with the ship, becoming scattered across the reef along with the wreckage.

The wreck of the CHENANGO was declared a Total Loss and remains on the reef, symbolizing the harsh realities of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck lies on Wood Island Reef, with its remains scattered and deteriorated due to the exposure to Lake Superior’s harsh conditions. The site is not a popular dive location due to its remote location and shallow reef exposure but retains historical significance as a reminder of the dangers faced by early mariners.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck of the CHENANGO. However, navigators in the Wood Island Reef area should remain cautious due to the region’s history of shipwrecks and challenging underwater terrain.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Comprehensive records on the CHENANGO and other Lake Superior shipwrecks.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File – Detailed documentation of Great Lakes vessel losses.

• Historical Newspapers – Reports from Cleveland, Buffalo, and Chicago on the CHENANGO’s incidents and final loss.

• Munising Area Historical Society – Local insights into shipwrecks near Wood Island Reef.

CONCLUSION

The CHENANGO serves as a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Superior. Built to serve the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes, its career was marked by resilience in the face of numerous challenges. However, the violent storm of November 1875 proved insurmountable, leaving the vessel and its cargo scattered on the unforgiving reefs near Munising.

The wreck of the CHENANGO endures as a somber reminder of the perilous conditions faced by sailors and the critical role these vessels played in shaping the region’s economic history. Its story adds to the tapestry of shipwrecks that define the maritime legacy of Lake Superior.

KEYWORDS

CHENANGO, Barkentine, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Lake Superior, Wood Island Reef, Munising Michigan, 19th Century Maritime Trade, Pig Iron Cargo, Storm Wreck, Tug Towline Separation.