Identification & Site Information

•Name: DAVID WAGSTAFF

•Type: Schooner

•Year Built: 1863

•Builder: I.W. Nicholas

•Built At: Vermilion, Ohio

•Rebuilt: 1883

•Location of Loss: A few miles west of North Fox Island, Lake Michigan

•Cargo: Building stone

•Condition: Lost and presumed wrecked

Vessel Type Description

The DAVID WAGSTAFF was a wooden Schooner, a common design for 19th-century Great Lakes cargo vessels. Schooners were fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessels, valued for their speed, maneuverability, and cargo capacity. The vessel’s construction in 1863 by I.W. Nicholas in Vermilion, Ohio, followed the robust shipbuilding traditions of the region. After two decades of service, the DAVID WAGSTAFF underwent significant rebuilding in 1883, likely to address wear and upgrade its structure to meet the demands of ongoing trade.

History

The DAVID WAGSTAFF served as a hardworking cargo ship during its operational years, primarily transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Its role in carrying building stone highlights its contribution to the construction boom and industrial growth in the Great Lakes region during the 19th century.

Final Voyage

The Schooner was lost while carrying a load of building stone, a durable and heavy cargo typical of Schooner transport. The incident occurred a few miles west of North Fox Island in Lake Michigan. Details about the circumstances of the loss are sparse, but the vessel is presumed to have succumbed to the treacherous conditions that frequently challenged schooners on the Great Lakes, including storms, navigational hazards, or structural failures.

Final Disposition

The DAVID WAGSTAFF was lost west of North Fox Island, and no records indicate that the wreck was located or salvaged. Its cargo and remains are presumed to rest on the lakebed, making it a historical point of interest for shipwreck explorers and maritime historians.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck.

•The area near North Fox Island is known for other wrecks and shallow hazards; divers should consult local advisories before exploration.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival information on Great Lakes schooners and their operations.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database containing details on the DAVID WAGSTAFF and other regional wrecks.

•Great Lakes Register (1863): Historical vessel documentation.

•North Fox Island Maritime Records: Local sources may provide additional context about the loss.

Keywords

DAVID WAGSTAFF, Schooner, North Fox Island, Lake Michigan Shipwreck, 19th-Century Shipbuilding, Vermilion Ohio, Great Lakes Cargo Vessels, Maritime History, Building Stone Transport.

Conclusion

The loss of the DAVID WAGSTAFF near North Fox Island is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century schooners on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1863 to its rebuilding in 1883, the vessel served an essential role in regional commerce. Its sinking while transporting building stone marks a common peril for cargo ships of the era. Today, its story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, inviting further research and exploration into its final resting place.