Identification & Site Information

• Name: E.B. Allen
• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
• Date of Construction: 1864
• Builder: Ogdensburg, NY
• Official Number: 7818
• Dimensions: 134 feet (41 meters) in length
• Tonnage: 275 gross tons
• Final Disposition: September 18, 1871
• Location: Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
• Coordinates: N 45° 00.976’ W 83° 09.899’
• Depth: 100 feet (33 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The E.B. Allen was a wooden Schooner, a workhorse of the 19th century on the Great Lakes. Known for their multiple masts and efficient design, schooners were vital for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, and lumber. The E.B. Allen exemplifies the robust and versatile nature of these vessels, which were crucial to the thriving commerce of the region during that era.

History

Construction and Use:

Built in 1864 in Ogdensburg, New York, the E.B. Allen was employed primarily in the grain trade, connecting ports on the Great Lakes. With a Gross Tonnage of 275, the Schooner was well-suited for carrying heavy loads over long distances.

Final Voyage:

On September 18, 1871, the E.B. Allen was en route from Chicago to Buffalo carrying a cargo of grain. In the dense fog near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, the Schooner collided with the Bark Newsboy, which tore a large hole in the E.B. Allen’s port side. The vessel quickly took on water and sank, but fortunately, the entire crew was rescued by the Newsboy’s crew.

Aftermath:

The collision resulted in the Total Loss of the E.B. Allen and its valuable cargo of grain. The sinking highlights the hazards of Great Lakes navigation, where unpredictable weather and limited Visibility often led to accidents.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the E.B. Allen lies in 100 feet (33 meters) of water off Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. While much of the decking has deteriorated, the Hull remains largely intact. Key features such as the Windlass, anchor chains, and rudder are still visible, making the wreck an intriguing dive site for exploration.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this site.

•Diving Advisory: Divers should be cautious of entanglement hazards and the potential for limited Visibility in the area.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the E.B. Allen has been known since shortly after its sinking and is now a popular dive site within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records of Great Lakes vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database.
• Great Lakes Ships: Database of Great Lakes vessels.
• NOAA Thunder Bay: Information about the wreck and conservation efforts.
• VR Exploration: Virtual reality experience of the E.B. Allen wreck.

Conclusion

3D Model

E.B. Allen by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

The E.B. Allen is a vivid reminder of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime heritage. Its wreck, lying off Thunder Bay Island, is a window into the past, offering insights into the design, construction, and operations of 19th-century schooners. The site continues to attract divers and historians, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and challenges of maritime life in the Great Lakes.

Keywords

E.B. Allen, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Wooden Schooner, Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron Wreck, Maritime History, NOAA Thunder Bay, 19th Century Shipping, VR Shipwreck Exploration.

The E.B. Allen remains an essential piece of the Great Lakes’ legacy, inviting exploration and study as part of efforts to preserve and understand the history of these vital waterways.