Identification & Site Information

• Name: Wellington (also referred to as Willington in some press and insurance records)
• Former Names: None documented
• Official Number: 26224
• Date Built and Launched: 1855
• Builder: I. Nicholas, Vermilion, Ohio
• Specifications: Length: 128 ft (39.01 m) Beam (Width): 24 ft (7.32 m) Depth of Hold: 10 ft (3.05 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 225 tons
• Date Lost: September 14, 1867
• Place of Loss: Skillagallee Shoal, Lake Michigan
• Type of Loss: Grounding and structural failure during a storm
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: 14,000 bushels of wheat (approx. 495 metric tonnes)

Vessel Type

The Wellington was a wooden, two-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were known for their efficiency in transporting bulk cargo, especially agricultural products like wheat, which was a major export commodity for the Great Lakes region. Their rigging allowed for easy handling by small crews, and their shallow Draft enabled access to ports with limited depth.

Description

Constructed in 1855 by I. Nicholas in Vermilion, Ohio, the Wellington measured 128 feet in length, with a 24-foot beam and a 10-foot depth of hold, registering at 225 gross tons. Built primarily for bulk freight transport, her design featured large cargo holds optimized for grain shipments and other agricultural products.

Her wooden Hull was typical of the era, designed to withstand the rigors of Great Lakes navigation but vulnerable to damage from storms, collisions, and grounding—common hazards in the unpredictable weather conditions of the region.

Operational History

The Wellington served as a grain Schooner, frequently carrying wheat and other bulk goods between agricultural centers in the Midwest and ports along the Great Lakes. Her routes included key trading hubs such as Chicago, Goderich (Ontario), and ports along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

In the weeks leading up to her final voyage, the Wellington experienced a major leak, prompting urgent repairs in Chicago. This incident may have compromised the vessel’s structural integrity, potentially playing a role in her inability to survive the storm that led to her loss.

Final Voyage and Loss

On September 14, 1867, the Wellington was en route from Chicago to Goderich, Ontario, carrying a substantial load of 14,000 bushels of wheat. While navigating through Lake Michigan, she encountered a severe storm near Skillagallee Shoal, a hazardous area notorious for shipwrecks due to its shallow waters and submerged reefs.

The vessel was driven onto the reef by the storm’s powerful winds and waves. Despite efforts to save her, the force of the storm caused the Schooner to break apart on the rocks. Remarkably, no lives were lost, with the crew likely rescued by nearby vessels or managing to reach safety on their own.

It’s notable that the Wellington had only recently undergone repairs in Chicago to address a serious leak suffered a week prior. While the repairs allowed her to sail again, it’s possible that the vessel’s structural weaknesses made her more susceptible to damage when grounded on the shoal.

Final Disposition

The Wellington was declared a Total Loss following the wreck. There are no records of successful salvage efforts, likely due to the extensive damage she sustained and the challenging conditions at Skillagallee Shoal, where strong currents and submerged hazards make recovery operations difficult.

Located By & Date Found

Nil – There are no confirmed reports of the Wellington’s wreck being discovered. However, given her location at Skillagallee Shoal, remnants may still exist underwater, potentially buried under sediment or scattered across the lakebed.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Skillagallee Shoal remains a navigational hazard in Lake Michigan, marked on nautical charts due to its history of causing shipwrecks.

Mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating near the shoal, especially in poor weather conditions.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary
• Skillagalee Shoal Lighthouse & Navigational Aids

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Wellington, Willington, Schooner, Lake Michigan shipwreck, Skillagallee Shoal, Great Lakes grain Schooner, 19th-century maritime disasters

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Great Lakes Grain Schooners, Groundings and Storm Wrecks

Glossary Terms:

• Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, rigged fore-and-aft, commonly used for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
• Skillagallee Shoal: A hazardous reef area in Lake Michigan, known for numerous shipwrecks due to its shallow waters and strong currents.
• Grounding: The event of a vessel running aground on a reef, shoal, or sandbar, often leading to Hull damage or Total Loss.
• Bushel: A unit of volume used for dry goods, particularly grains; 1 bushel = approximately 35.24 liters or 1.24 cubic feet.
• Total Loss: A maritime term indicating that a vessel has sustained damage beyond economical repair.

Conclusion

The Wellington’s story reflects the dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century, when storms, hidden shoals, and structural vulnerabilities posed constant threats to sailors and vessels alike. Despite recent repairs following a major leak, the Schooner was unable to survive the forces of nature when she ran aground on Skillagallee Shoal in 1867. Though her cargo and vessel were lost, the survival of her crew speaks to the resilience and quick action often required in such perilous circumstances. Today, the Wellington remains part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan, her final resting place somewhere beneath its waters.