The Schooner CHIPPEWA: A Legacy of Early Lake Superior Navigation

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: CHIPPEWA

• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

• Built: 1837, Maumee, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 45 feet (13.7 meters)

• Beam (Width): 11 feet (3.4 meters)

• Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Tonnage: 20 tons

• Primary Use: Fur trade and general transportation

• Final Disposition: Wrecked on Sawtooth Reef, near Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior, on December 6, 1847

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHIPPEWA was a small but significant Schooner of the early 19th century, primarily engaged in the fur trade and the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. With a wooden Hull and modest dimensions, the vessel was well-suited for the challenging waters of Lake Superior, particularly during its formative years as a hub for trade and exploration. Schooners like the CHIPPEWA were versatile, efficient, and critical to the economic development of the region.

HISTORY

Built in 1837 in Maumee, Ohio, the CHIPPEWA was among the earliest vessels to operate on Lake Superior, a frontier waterway during this period. It played a vital role in the fur trade, connecting remote outposts with larger settlements and trading hubs across the Great Lakes.

In 1845, the CHIPPEWA achieved a notable feat by being portaged around the St. Marys River rapids (the Soo), an essential but challenging task before the construction of the modern Soo Locks. This accomplishment allowed the Schooner to expand its operational range into Lake Superior, solidifying its importance in the region’s trade network.

FINAL VOYAGE

On December 6, 1847, the CHIPPEWA encountered its tragic end when it ran aground on Sawtooth Reef, located near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The reef, notorious for its treacherous shallow waters and submerged rocks, proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. The vessel became stranded and was unable to free itself, ultimately marking its demise.

• Crew Fate: While exact details are unclear, historical accounts suggest that the crew survived the ordeal and managed to walk to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This remarkable survival story highlights the resilience of 19th-century sailors in the face of perilous conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WRECK

The wreck of the CHIPPEWA is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early mariners navigating the unforgiving waters of Lake Superior. Sawtooth Reef, known for its hazardous conditions, has claimed multiple vessels over the years, underlining the risks posed to even the most seasoned sailors.

The CHIPPEWA’s stranding also emphasizes the importance of developing infrastructure like the Soo Locks, which later transformed navigation and trade on the Great Lakes, reducing the need for arduous portaging and mitigating risks in challenging waterways.

CURRENT CONDITION & PRESERVATION

The exact state of the CHIPPEWA’s wreckage on Sawtooth Reef is not well-documented, as it predates detailed underwater archaeological surveys. However, the incident remains a critical part of the maritime history of Lake Superior, shedding light on the early days of Great Lakes navigation and the vessels that braved its waters.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive archives of early Great Lakes vessels and incidents.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Insights into Lake Superior’s maritime history and significant wrecks.

• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Studies on the hazardous conditions of the Great Lakes.

CONCLUSION

The CHIPPEWA stands as a symbol of the pioneering spirit of early Great Lakes navigation. From its construction in 1837 to its dramatic end in 1847, the Schooner played a pivotal role in the economic and logistical development of the region. Its wreck on Sawtooth Reef underscores the perils faced by early sailors and the need for resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. Today, the story of the CHIPPEWA serves as a reminder of the maritime heritage that continues to shape the identity of the Great Lakes region.

Keywords:

Lake Superior, Sawtooth Reef, Schooner, Early Navigation, Fur Trade, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maumee Ohio, Keweenaw Peninsula, 19th Century Maritime History