IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: AHNAPEE

•Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1874

•Builder: David E. Mills, Ahnapee (now Algoma), Wisconsin

•Dimensions:

•Length: Originally 103 feet (31.4 meters), later lengthened

•Beam: 26.5 feet (8.1 meters)

•Depth: 10.6 feet (3.2 meters)

•Tonnage: 180.61 tons

•Final Disposition: Stranded and damaged, 1877, at North Point, Wisconsin

•Coordinates: Exact location not documented

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The AHNAPEE was a wooden Schooner, a common vessel on the Great Lakes in the 19th century, built for durability and utility. Schooners like the AHNAPEE were designed to transport goods efficiently across the lakes, and they often carried commodities such as lumber, grain, and general freight. The AHNAPEE’s construction in Ahnapee, Wisconsin, reflected the growing shipbuilding industry in small ports along the Great Lakes during this period.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service:

The AHNAPEE was constructed in 1874 by David E. Mills in the town of Ahnapee, Wisconsin (renamed Algoma). It was named after its place of origin and represented the region’s burgeoning shipbuilding capabilities. The Schooner was primarily engaged in transporting goods between ports in Wisconsin and Michigan, particularly lumber and other materials vital to the economic growth of the region.

Stranding Incident:

In 1877, while en route from Torch Lake, Michigan, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the AHNAPEE encountered dense fog near North Point, Wisconsin. Unable to navigate safely in the reduced Visibility, the vessel stranded on the rocky shoreline. As the weather deteriorated, the AHNAPEE was driven further into the rocks, sustaining significant Hull damage.

The cargo onboard—likely lumber or general freight—was partially salvaged by the crew and locals. Efforts to repair and refloat the Schooner were ultimately successful, as the vessel was Rebuilt and lengthened in 1876. This extension increased its cargo capacity and ensured its continued service on the lakes.

Rebuild AND SERVICE POST-INCIDENT

Following its repair and rebuilding, the AHNAPEE returned to service with greater capacity and improved resilience. The Schooner continued to operate on the Great Lakes, adapting to the increasing demands of maritime commerce. While many wooden schooners of this era had relatively short lifespans due to weathering and incidents, the AHNAPEE demonstrated the enduring value of effective repairs and enhancements.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The ultimate fate of the AHNAPEE is not well-documented beyond its post-1877 repairs. It likely continued its career on the Great Lakes for several more years before being decommissioned or succumbing to age, wear, or another maritime incident.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the AHNAPEE or its stranding location. However, North Point, Wisconsin, remains a historically significant area for Great Lakes maritime activity.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Historical Newspapers and Records from Milwaukee and Ahnapee Archives

CONCLUSION

The story of the AHNAPEE illustrates the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners, particularly in navigating the treacherous waters near Wisconsin’s rocky shores. Its survival and subsequent rebuilding reflect the resilience of both the vessel and the maritime industry during the late 19th century. The AHNAPEE remains a testament to the ingenuity of its builders and the determination of its crews, contributing to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes shipping history.

KEYWORDS

•AHNAPEE

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•North Point Wisconsin

•Torch Lake to Milwaukee

•Wooden Schooner

•19th Century Maritime History

•Algoma Wisconsin

•Ship Stranding and Salvage