Identification & Site Information

•Name: Menominee

•Official Number: C138238

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Location: Lake Ontario, approximately 20 miles off Cape Vincent

•Depth: Likely in moderately deep waters, though exact depth details are not documented

•Dimensions:

•Length: 50.7 meters (166.2 feet)

•Beam: 10.1 meters (33.1 feet)

•Depth: 3.3 meters (10.9 feet)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 455 tons

•Net: 433 tons

•Year Built: 1883

Vessel Type Description

The Menominee was a traditional wooden Schooner, designed for bulk cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. Known for its multi-mast rigging and substantial cargo capacity, the Menominee exemplified the workhorse vessels that powered 19th-century commerce across North America’s inland seas. Its sturdy wooden Hull and construction reflected the craftsmanship and industrial needs of its time.

History

The Menominee was launched in 1883 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it began its service transporting goods like coal and lumber. Schooners like the Menominee were indispensable for the growing industries along the Great Lakes, connecting regional economies through their capacity to haul heavy and voluminous cargo.

In 1917, the vessel underwent a significant Rebuild at Sorel, Quebec, transitioning to Canadian ownership and extending its operational life. By the early 20th century, many schooners faced obsolescence due to advancements in Steamship technology, but the Menominee remained active, proving its durability and ongoing utility in freight transportation.

The vessel continued in service until 1933, marking an impressive 50 years of operation despite the challenges posed by aging wooden ships and competitive industrial advancements.

Final Disposition

The Menominee’s final voyage ended in tragedy off the coast of Cape Vincent in Lake Ontario. While details remain sparse, it is known that the Schooner encountered distress approximately 20 miles offshore. The Steamer Nicaragua first identified the vessel in trouble, initiating a rescue effort.

The Tug Proctor, towing the Barge Buckley, joined the operation, rescuing Captain Derusha and his son Elmer, who were adrift when the Schooner broke apart and sank. While no lives were lost, the Menominee and its coal cargo were a Total Loss. The wreck remains an enduring symbol of the dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes, even in their later years of service.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the Menominee’s wreck site. However, as with all underwater wrecks, divers and maritime operators should exercise caution to preserve the site and ensure safety in the surrounding waters.

Located By & Date

The wreck has not been definitively identified or documented by sonar or diver exploration. Its precise coordinates and condition remain unknown, limiting its accessibility for research or recreational diving.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the lack of confirmed discovery, the Menominee’s current condition is speculative. Wooden schooners that sink in deep freshwater often experience significant deterioration due to biological activity and sedimentation. Without detailed surveys, the state of the Menominee’s remains is undetermined.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: A repository for detailed information about Great Lakes vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context and archival records of Great Lakes maritime activities.

•Sonar Guy: Exploration updates and sonar mapping of potential wreck sites.

•YouTube: Educational content on Great Lakes shipwrecks and maritime history.

Conclusion

The Menominee represents the legacy of Great Lakes schooners, vessels that played a critical role in the economic development of the region. Its long service life, rebuilds, and eventual loss in Lake Ontario underscore the challenges and resilience of 19th- and early 20th-century maritime commerce. While the wreck remains undiscovered, the Menominee’s story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords

Menominee, Schooner, wooden shipwreck, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century vessels, Cape Vincent shipwreck, coal cargo Schooner.