Mojave (1864, Bark)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Mojave
• Type of Ship: Three-masted Bark
• Year Built: Unknown, but noted as new at the time of loss in 1864.
• Trade Route: Great Lakes bulk freight trade, likely carrying grain, lumber, or other general cargo.

Final Voyage and Loss

• Date of Loss: Late November 1864 (specific date not documented).
• Location: Lake Michigan, exact wreck location unknown.
• Route: The Mojave was en route from Chicago, Illinois, to Buffalo, New York.
• Cause of Loss: Encountered heavy seas during a significant storm. Witnesses aboard the Bark Monarch reported seeing the Mojave drop into the troughs of heavy seas, become swamped, and ultimately sink. The entire crew was lost, marking the tragedy as a Total Loss of life.

Debris Found

On December 1, 1864, the Milwaukee Sentinel reported that pieces of the Mojave were found along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, indicating the vessel broke apart during or after its sinking:

• Small boat (likely a lifeboat).
• Cabin doors, suggesting part of the upper structure was torn free and drifted ashore.

Historical Context

The Mojave was described as “new,” suggesting it was recently launched and likely still undergoing its early voyages. The Bark was part of the mid-19th century fleet that transported goods across the Great Lakes during the height of the sailing ship era.

The Great Lakes were notoriously dangerous in late autumn and winter, with powerful storms creating conditions that could easily overwhelm sailing vessels. November storms—often called the “gales of November”—are particularly deadly, and the Mojave’s loss occurred during one such storm season.

Significance of Loss

The Mojave’s loss is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The complete loss of life aboard highlights the vulnerabilities of wooden sailing ships in extreme weather conditions. The vessel’s sinking adds to the historical narrative of autumn storms, which have claimed many ships in the region over the years.

Potential Location

The exact resting place of the Mojave remains undiscovered. Its debris, found on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, suggests that it sank closer to the lake’s central or western region before drifting eastward due to prevailing winds and currents.

Preservation and Exploration

While no definitive searches for the Mojave have been documented, the ship’s likely location in Lake Michigan’s mid-lake region makes it a candidate for future exploration using sonar or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Its wooden construction and prolonged submersion may have left the wreck in poor condition, though cold freshwater may have preserved parts of the Hull.

Resources & Links

To learn more about the Mojave or other Lake Michigan shipwrecks:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Wisconsin Historical Society – Maritime Archaeology Program
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society
• Zac Whitrock – 3D Model

Conclusion

The sinking of the Mojave in late November 1864 was a tragic maritime disaster that underscores the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. While the wreck’s location remains unknown, it serves as a poignant reminder of the courage of sailors and the challenges they faced in the age of sail. If future explorations uncover the Mojave, it would provide valuable insights into shipbuilding, cargo transportation, and storm navigation of the era.

3D Model by Zac Whitrock

Mojave (1863) by Zach Whitrock on Sketchfab