SHIPWRECK REPORT: AMERICAN UNION

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Wreck Name: American Union
• Wreck Type: Wooden Schooner (later converted to Bark)
• Official Number: Not listed
• Dimensions:
• Length: 186.48 feet (56.84 meters)
• Beam: 33.16 feet (10.11 meters)
• Depth: 13.14 feet (4.00 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 764 4/95 (old style)
• Final Location: Thompson’s Harbor, Lake Huron, Michigan
• GPS N45°21.412’ W83°35.368’
• Date of Loss: May 19, 1894

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The American Union began as a three-masted wooden Schooner constructed in 1862 and was later converted to a Bark by adding a square-rigged foremast. This adaptation allowed it to carry larger sails and increased its cargo-handling capabilities. Schooner-barks like the American Union were versatile, balancing speed and cargo capacity, and were a mainstay of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service:

The American Union was built in 1862 by Ira LaFrinier in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially owned by H.J. Winslow and associates, it operated as a cargo carrier, navigating the Great Lakes to transport goods such as lumber, coal, and grain.

Incidents and Ownership Changes:

The American Union faced several significant incidents during its career, including:

•1865: Collided with the Schooner Fremont, causing the latter’s sinking.

•1868: Collided with the Schooner Forest, damaging its headgear and bowsprit.

These collisions highlighted the challenges of navigating the busy and hazardous waters of the Great Lakes in the 19th century.

Over its operational life, the vessel underwent multiple ownership changes, being managed by notable maritime entrepreneurs, including Wm. G. Winslow, A.G. VanSchaick, Harrison Ludington, and the Godman family. Despite these changes, the American Union remained an essential part of the Great Lakes’ shipping infrastructure.

Final Voyage and Loss (May 6, 1894):

The vessel stranded in Thomas Bay near Presque Isle, Michigan, while sailing empty. A salvage attempt failed, and the vessel was left exposed to the elements. On May 19, 1894, a powerful storm swept through the area, completely destroying the ship.

Financial Impact:

The loss of the American Union was valued at $12,000, a significant amount for the time, especially given that the vessel was uninsured. Despite the loss of the ship, no lives were lost in the incident.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The American Union was declared a Total Loss after being destroyed by storms in May 1894. Its wreck lies in Thompson’s Harbor, Lake Huron, but has not been extensively documented or explored in modern times.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the American Union. Mariners should remain cautious in the Thompson’s Harbor area due to potential submerged hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has not been formally rediscovered in modern times. Its presumed location is based on historical records of the incident.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The condition of the American Union’s wreck remains unknown. Given the destructive nature of the storm that sank it and the passage of time, any remains are likely heavily deteriorated and scattered.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• •David Swayze Shipwreck File: Search Shipwreck Records
• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Great Lakes Maritime History
• •Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed Ship Information
• 3d Shipwrecks – American Union

CONCLUSION

The American Union represents the perilous and challenging conditions faced by 19th-century ships on the Great Lakes. Despite its resilience and long career, the vessel ultimately succumbed to Lake Huron’s unpredictable weather. Its story offers a vivid reminder of the Golden Age of Sail on the Great Lakes and the dangers that accompanied it. While the ship’s physical remains lie in obscurity, its history enriches the legacy of maritime exploration and commerce in the region.

Keywords: American Union, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Great Lakes Maritime History, Schooner Bark, Thompson’s Harbor, 19th Century Shipwrecks.

3D Shipwrecks