Identification & Site Information:

• Name: John Jacob Astor

• Type: Brig or Schooner (historically referred to as both)

• Built: 1835

• Dimensions:

• Length: 78 feet (23.8 meters)

• Beam: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

• Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

• Tonnage: 112 gross tons

• Owner: American Fur Company

• Primary Use: Trading and fishing

• Final Disposition: Foundered near Copper Harbor, Michigan, on September 21, 1844

Vessel Type Description:

The John Jacob Astor was one of the first commercial vessels on Lake Superior, operating as a Brig or Schooner. Both configurations were common for trading vessels in the early 19th century, optimized for cargo capacity and navigation on the Great Lakes. Its association with the American Fur Company, founded by John Jacob Astor, highlights its role in the fur trade, a cornerstone of the region’s economy.

History:

Built in 1835, the John Jacob Astor served as a critical link in the fur trade, transporting goods and furs between trading posts and larger commercial hubs. Owned by the influential American Fur Company, the ship played a pivotal role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region.

On September 21, 1844, the vessel struck a reef near Copper Harbor, Michigan, in the Keweenaw Peninsula, a treacherous but frequently traversed area. The accident caused the ship to founder, but fortunately, there was no loss of life. At the time, the John Jacob Astor was carrying a valuable cargo of furs and trade goods.

Historical accounts indicate that portions of the wreckage were still visible as late as the early 1860s, serving as a reminder of the risks of navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century.

Final Disposition:

The ship was a Total Loss, with its cargo scattered and unrecovered at the time of the incident. However, in 1970, an anchor believed to belong to the John Jacob Astor was recovered, providing a tangible artifact from the vessel’s storied past. The precise location of the wreck is undocumented, and its condition remains unknown.

Located By & Date:

• The wreck was visible until the 1860s.

• An anchor was recovered in 1970, but the wreck site itself has not been formally identified or mapped.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

The reef near Copper Harbor, Michigan, where the ship Foundered, remains a potential navigational hazard, underscoring the need for caution in this historically perilous area.

Resources & Links:

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships

• Bowling Green State University

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion:

The John Jacob Astor holds a unique place in the history of Lake Superior, representing the pioneering spirit of the fur trade and early commercial ventures in the Great Lakes region. Its tragic loss near Copper Harbor in 1844 is a testament to the challenges faced by sailors and traders of the time. Artifacts like the recovered anchor continue to connect us to this rich maritime heritage.

Would you like further research into the recovery of the anchor or additional historical records about this vessel?