Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: W.W. Arnold

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Built: 1863, by H.J. Williams in Buffalo, New York

•Official Number: 26166

•Tonnage: 426 tons (old measurement system), 347 net tons

•Final Voyage: November 15, 1869

•Final Location: Near the mouth of the Two-Hearted River, Lake Superior

Vessel Type Description

The W.W. Arnold was a wooden-hulled Schooner designed to transport bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Built in 1863, the vessel was typical of mid-19th century schooners, offering reliability and efficiency for the transport of goods like iron ore. Its design and capacity reflected the growing economic demands of Great Lakes trade during that period.

History

The W.W. Arnold had a notable and active career in Great Lakes shipping:

1.Construction & Early Years:

•Built by H.J. Williams in Buffalo, New York, in 1863.

•Initially owned by J. Kelderhouse of Buffalo, New York.

2.Ownership Changes:

•In 1866, sold to Harrison & McGibbons.

•By the time of its loss in 1869, owned by J.D. Bothwell of Cleveland, Ohio.

Final Voyage & Incident

On November 15, 1869, during the infamous “great gale of November,” the W.W. Arnold was caught in a violent storm while carrying a cargo of iron ore from Marquette, Michigan, to Cleveland, Ohio.

Incident Details:

•Location: Near the mouth of the Two-Hearted River, Lake Superior.

•Weather Conditions: The storm, characterized by gale-force winds and high waves, drove the vessel ashore, where it was torn apart by the relentless waves.

•Losses:

•All 11 individuals on board perished, including crew and passengers.

•The ship and cargo losses totaled $55,000, with only partial insurance coverage:

•Vessel Insurance: $18,000

•Cargo Insurance: $25,000

Ownership Timeline

•1863: Owned by J. Kelderhouse, Buffalo, New York.

•1866: Transferred to Harrison & McGibbons.

•1869: Owned by J.D. Bothwell, Cleveland, Ohio, at the time of its loss.

Significance

The W.W. Arnold is remembered for its tragic loss in the “great gale of November,” one of the most devastating storms in Great Lakes history. The Schooner’s destruction and the loss of its entire crew underscore the perils of shipping on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. The event highlights the vulnerability of wooden vessels to the extreme weather conditions common in the region.

Final Disposition

The W.W. Arnold was completely destroyed during the storm, leaving no salvageable remains. The wreckage likely scattered near the shore of the Two-Hearted River, where it quickly deteriorated under the harsh conditions of Lake Superior.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

Keywords

•W.W. Arnold Shipwreck

•Two-Hearted River

•Lake Superior Tragedy

•19th Century Schooner

•Great Gale of November

•Iron Ore Schooner

•Great Lakes Maritime History

Conclusion

The sinking of the W.W. Arnold is a poignant chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Built for the booming commerce of the region, the Schooner served its purpose admirably until its tragic loss in 1869. The ship’s fate, tied to the “great gale of November,” is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who braved the Great Lakes’ unpredictable waters. While the vessel and its crew are long gone, their story endures as a testament to the resilience and courage of 19th-century mariners.