Identification & Site Information: Montgomery

• Original Name: Northern Light
• Renamed: Montgomery (after the 1866 Rebuild)
• Registry Number: Not specified
• Date Built: 1853 (as Northern Light)
• Date Rebuilt and Renamed: 1866
• Measurements: Not detailed; designed as a Canal Schooner to transit the Welland Canal
• Date Lost: 1890
• Final Disposition: Driven ashore in a gale and Abandoned after salvage

Vessel Type

Wooden Canal Schooner with two masts, retrofitted with a second Centerboard in 1866.

Description

The Montgomery, originally built as the Northern Light in 1853, was a Canal Schooner optimized for transiting the Welland Canal. These vessels were specifically designed to navigate the narrow locks and shallow channels, facilitating the transport of bulk goods such as grain and lumber between Lakes Erie and Ontario. The addition of a second Centerboard during the 1866 Rebuild improved the vessel’s stability and handling, enhancing its operational capabilities on the Great Lakes.

After its Rebuild and renaming, the Montgomery continued in service carrying bulk cargoes, predominantly grain and coal. For nearly four decades, it was part of the bustling trade network that defined the Great Lakes shipping economy in the 19th century.

The vessel met its demise in 1890 when a gale drove it ashore. Stuck on a rocky bottom in shallow water, attempts to remove the ship proved futile. Salvors stripped the ship of its rigging and cargo, leaving the hulk to the elements. Over the years, wave and ice action gradually reduced the ship to a wreck.

Final Dispositions

In 1958, the wreck was rediscovered by divers stationed at Camp Haven. It became a popular dive site through the 1970s, offering a glimpse into the maritime past. After its popularity waned, the wreck’s precise location was lost for decades. In 2018, the site was rediscovered and documented, providing fresh insights into the vessel’s history and construction.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck lies in shallow water on a rocky bottom. It is no longer actively marked on navigation charts and is primarily of interest to historians and divers. No known navigational hazards are associated with the site today.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Wisconsin Shipwrecks – May provide updated location information.
• Local Historical Societies – Organizations in Sheboygan County or nearby regions may have specific data.
• Shipwreck Archaeological Reports – Documentation from the 2018 rediscovery could contain exact coordinates.

3D Model of the Bermuda

Schooner Montgomery (Built 1866) by Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast NMS on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The story of the Montgomery (formerly Northern Light) encapsulates the resilience of Great Lakes schooners in the face of changing needs and environments. Originally constructed for the Welland Canal trade, the vessel’s adaptations reflect the evolving demands of the shipping industry. The rediscovery and documentation of its wreck highlight the ongoing fascination with the region’s maritime heritage and underscore the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: Montgomery, Northern Light, Canal Schooner, Welland Canal, shipwreck, Great Lakes history, salvage operations

• Categories: Vessel Profiles, Great Lakes Maritime Heritage, Shipwreck Sites

• Glossary Terms:

• Canal Schooner: A sailing vessel designed for navigating the narrow and shallow waters of canals.

• Centerboard: A retractable Keel used to stabilize and steer sailing vessels.

• Salvage: The process of recovering cargo, rigging, or other valuable materials from a wrecked vessel.