Shipwreck Report: ALBEMARLE

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: ALBEMARLE
• Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Build Year: 1867
• Builder: C. Bidwell, Buffalo, New York
• Official Number: 1730
• Dimensions: 154 feet in length, 413 gross tons
• Final Voyage Date: November 6, 1867
• Location: Point Nipigon, Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron
• GPS 45° 42.938 N 084° 33.784 W
• Condition: Wrecked and Abandoned

Vessel Type Description

The ALBEMARLE was a robust three-masted Schooner designed for heavy cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1867, it was a significant vessel of its time, capable of carrying substantial loads such as iron ore. The Schooner’s wooden construction and large tonnage were typical of the durable and efficient vessels that serviced the burgeoning industrial and transportation demands of the mid-19th century Great Lakes region.

History

Launched in 1867, the ALBEMARLE was a brand-new Schooner owned by Winslow Bros. of Buffalo, New York. It was built to carry large cargoes across the Great Lakes, supporting industries reliant on resources such as iron ore.

On November 6, 1867, the ALBEMARLE was en route from Escanaba, Michigan, to Cleveland, Ohio, laden with iron ore. While navigating the treacherous Straits of Mackinac, the vessel encountered a severe storm that drove it aground at Point Nipigon, Lake Huron. Despite its solid construction, the Schooner was stranded and severely damaged.

A Tug was dispatched to assist in rescuing the vessel, but the ALBEMARLE’s condition was deemed beyond repair. Wreckers made several attempts to salvage the ship, including its cargo, over the following months. However, efforts proved futile, and the Schooner was ultimately Abandoned in August 1868.

The wreck marked a tragic loss for Winslow Bros., who had only recently commissioned the Schooner. It also underscored the risks inherent to Great Lakes navigation, where unpredictable storms could swiftly turn voyages into disasters.

Final Disposition

The ALBEMARLE was declared a Total Loss after extensive salvage attempts. The vessel remained stranded and was Abandoned at Point Nipigon in 1868.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no confirmed details about the current condition or location of the ALBEMARLE’s remains. The wreck is likely scattered or buried near Point Nipigon in the Straits of Mackinac. Its location and accessibility for diving or exploration have not been documented.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships

Keywords

ALBEMARLE, Schooner, Lake Huron Shipwreck, Point Nipigon, Straits of Mackinac, Winslow Bros., Great Lakes History

Analysis

The ALBEMARLE’s loss just months after its launch illustrates the hazardous conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite its sturdy design and capable crew, the Schooner was no match for the violent storm it encountered. While its service was short-lived, the ALBEMARLE remains a part of the maritime legacy of the Great Lakes, highlighting the bravery of the sailors who navigated these perilous waters.

3D Model