Shipwreck Report: The Big Bay Sloop

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• • Wreck Name: Big Bay Sloop
• • Vessel Type: Sloop (Unidentified Small Craft)
• • Location: East of Big Bay State Park, Madeline Island, La Pointe, Wisconsin
• • Coordinates: Unavailable (Protected Site)
• • Depth: Resting on the lakebed of Lake Superior
• • Designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; National Marine Protected Area
• • Date of Discovery: 1990s
• • Estimated Date of Construction: Between 1880 and 1920

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Big Bay Sloop is a small merchant vessel typical of its time, designed for transportation of goods and potentially passengers across the Great Lakes. Its modest size and wire rigging suggest that it was an efficient, durable craft capable of handling the demands of the bustling maritime activity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The presence of a metal cleat indicates construction in a transitional period when shipbuilders were incorporating metal components alongside traditional wooden Hull designs.

HISTORY

The Big Bay Sloop’s history is largely speculative due to the absence of concrete documentation. However, its likely construction between 1880 and 1920 places it within a period of significant maritime activity on Lake Superior. During this era:

• Merchant Vessels: Small sloops were integral to regional trade, carrying essential goods such as timber, fish, and other commodities vital to the development of local industries.

• Maritime Challenges: Harsh weather, unpredictable currents, and the isolated nature of many Great Lakes communities underscored the risks faced by sailors.

The wreckage was discovered in the 1990s near Big Bay State Park, sparking interest among maritime historians and divers. However, the lack of specific documentation for small craft like the Big Bay Sloop during this period complicates efforts to trace its origins or identity.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Big Bay Sloop’s sinking remains a mystery:

• Date of Loss: Unknown

• Cause of Loss: Undetermined; possibilities include a storm, structural failure, or navigational mishap.

• Condition: The wreck is relatively well-preserved, with wire rigging and a metal cleat still evident on the remains. Its resting state on the lakebed provides a serene yet poignant glimpse into its final moments.

• Salvage: No known attempts at recovery.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• Preservation Status: The Big Bay Sloop is a National Marine Protected Area, ensuring the wreck remains undisturbed and protected for research and educational purposes.

• Diving Considerations:

• Divers are encouraged to respect preservation laws.

• The wreck is accessible to experienced divers, but its exact coordinates are restricted to prevent unauthorized interference.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Site Condition:

• The wreck is partially intact, offering insights into the construction methods and materials of the era.

• The presence of fire damage or catastrophic failure is not evident, suggesting a non-violent sinking.

• Accessibility:

• Advanced divers may explore the site under strict adherence to preservation protocols.

• Public access to exact location details is restricted to ensure protection.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Big Bay Sloop is a rare and invaluable artifact of Lake Superior’s maritime heritage:

• Cultural Importance: Represents the often-overlooked small craft that formed the backbone of Great Lakes commerce.

• Research Value: Offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of small merchant vessels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Historical Context: Highlights the risks of Great Lakes navigation and the resilience of maritime communities during this transformative era.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• • National Register of Historic Places: Official documentation and preservation status.
• • National Marine Protected Areas Database: NOAA Marine Protected Areas
• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Research on vessel types and historical shipping routes.
• • Local Museums & Archives:
• • Madeline Island Historical Museum
• • Wisconsin Historical Society
• 3D Shipwrecks – Big Bay Sloop

CONCLUSION

The Big Bay Sloop remains an enduring mystery beneath Lake Superior’s depths. Its well-preserved state and historical designation make it a vital piece of Great Lakes maritime history. Continued exploration and research may one day reveal its true identity and the story of those who sailed it, adding another chapter to the rich tapestry of North America’s inland seas.

KEYWORDS

#BigBaySloop #LakeSuperior #MadelineIsland #NationalMarineProtectedArea #GreatLakesShipwrecks #19thCenturyMaritimeHistory #SmallCraftVessels

3D Model – Big Bay Sloop