History of the Scow-Schooner CHRISTINA

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: CHRISTINA

• Vessel Type: Scow-Schooner (Wooden)

• Built: 1870 by R. McCullough, Port Huron, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 51 feet (15.5 meters)

• Beam: 17.4 feet (5.3 meters)

• Depth: 4.8 feet (1.5 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 25 tons

• Final Disposition: Wrecked in 1878

• Last Documented: August 6, 1879, Port Huron, Michigan

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHRISTINA was a scow-Schooner, a type of flat-bottomed sailing vessel designed for carrying bulk cargo in shallow waters. These vessels were widely used in the 19th century for coastal and inland trade, particularly on the Great Lakes, where their shallow Draft allowed them to navigate close to shorelines and smaller harbors. Built from wood, scow-schooners like the CHRISTINA were economical to construct and versatile, making them a popular choice for transporting goods during the era.

HISTORY

The CHRISTINA was constructed in 1870 at Port Huron, Michigan, by R. McCullough. With a modest size and tonnage, it was well-suited for regional trade along the shores of the Great Lakes. Like many scow-schooners, it likely carried cargoes such as lumber, stone, or agricultural products between small ports, contributing to the bustling maritime economy of the time.

Despite its practical design and utility, the CHRISTINA’s career was brief. By 1878, the vessel was reported as wrecked. Details about the circumstances of its loss, including the location, cause, and any potential loss of life or cargo, remain undocumented in historical records. On August 6, 1879, the vessel’s documentation was officially surrendered at Port Huron, confirming its demise.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CHRISTINA was declared a Total Loss after wrecking in 1878. While the exact circumstances and location of the incident are unknown, its brief service life and final entry into the maritime records underscore the challenges faced by small vessels navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the CHRISTINA, as the wreck has not been specifically located or identified in modern surveys.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships Database: General records of vessels like the CHRISTINA.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including vessels with incomplete records.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical accounts and ship registry data from the region.

CONCLUSION

The story of the CHRISTINA highlights the fleeting nature of many small vessels during the 19th century. While its final chapter remains shrouded in mystery, the vessel serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation during a time when maritime safety technology was rudimentary. The CHRISTINA’s legacy, preserved in maritime records, offers a glimpse into the vibrant but perilous world of Great Lakes shipping in the late 1800s.

Keywords: Scow-Schooner CHRISTINA, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Port Huron, 19th Century Shipping, Wooden Vessels, Unreported Losses.