Shipwreck Report: Schooner-Barge COLONEL BRACKETT

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: COLONEL BRACKETT

• Other Names: None

• Vessel Type: Schooner-Barge

• Year Built: 1869

• Builder: F.N. Jones, Tonawanda, NY

• Dimensions:

• Length: 115 feet (35 meters)

• Beam (Width): 25 feet (7.6 meters)

• Depth: 4 feet (1.2 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 187 tons

• Net: 177 tons

• Cargo: Lumber and ice

• Final Voyage: April 24, 1890

• Wreck Location: Harbor Beach, Michigan, Lake Huron

• Depth: Shallow waters near Breakwater

• Current Condition: Total Loss; vessel destroyed after grounding, scattered debris likely salvaged or dispersed.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The COLONEL BRACKETT was a Schooner-Barge, a type of vessel designed to maximize cargo capacity while being towed by a Steamer. Commonly used in the 19th century, these vessels were integral to the transport of heavy bulk materials such as lumber and ice. Though robust, their lack of independent propulsion made them particularly vulnerable to storms and rough weather.

HISTORY

Construction and Service

• Built in 1869 for the booming lumber and ice trade in the Great Lakes region.

• The vessel frequently faced financial difficulties, often sold at marshal’s sales. Purchased in 1889 for $295, it continued operations despite its diminished value.

• Struggled with operational challenges, including sinking at Sand Beach and running ashore near Port Hope.

FINAL VOYAGE & LOSS

On April 24, 1890, the COLONEL BRACKETT was en route to a brewery in Port Huron, towed by the Steamer RHODA STEWART, when it encountered a severe northeastern gale.

• Break Loose: The Barge broke loose near Port Hope, leaving the crew to navigate the vessel without assistance.

• Refuge Attempt: The crew sought shelter at Harbor Beach but ran aground on the Breakwater.

• Destruction: The storm’s relentless force destroyed the vessel, reducing it to scattered wreckage.

• Casualties: None—despite the devastation, all crew members survived.

• Financial Loss: The vessel and its cargo were valued at $3,500, a significant sum for the era.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The COLONEL BRACKETT was declared a Total Loss after the storm. Salvage efforts were likely limited, and the wreckage was dispersed by subsequent weather. No significant remnants of the vessel are known to exist today.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the wreck site.

• Advisory: Mariners in Harbor Beach should remain cautious of submerged hazards from historical shipwrecks.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Comprehensive shipwreck records and historical insights.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A detailed archive of Great Lakes vessel losses.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Additional research and resources on regional maritime history.

CONCLUSION

The COLONEL BRACKETT embodies the resilience and vulnerability of Great Lakes Schooner-barges. Despite financial struggles and repeated challenges, the vessel served its purpose until its ultimate loss in 1890. This shipwreck highlights the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes and the reliance on teamwork and skill to survive.

KEYWORDS

#ColonelBrackett #SchoonerBarge #GreatLakesShipwreck #LakeHuron #MaritimeHistory #HarborBeachMichigan #LumberTransport #GreatLakesStorms

If you need further details, analysis, or historical maps, please let me know!