Shotline Diving - The Great Lakes GotoCornelia B. Windiate US 125375

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Cornelia B. Windiate
Official Number: 125375
Vessel Type: Three-masted wooden Schooner
Gross Tonnage: 332.39 tons
Homeport: Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA
Year Built: 1874
Builder: Manitowoc Shipyards, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Dimensions:
Length: 138.6 feet
Beam: 26.2 feet
Depth: 11.6 feet
Final Voyage: Fall of 1875
Lives Lost: 9 crew members
Location of Wreck: Lower end of Lake Michigan
Wreck Status: Discovered in 1986, remarkably preserved

Vessel Type Description

The Cornelia B. Windiate was a three-masted wooden Schooner, a vessel type central to 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Built for efficiency in transporting bulk goods such as grain, the Windiate featured a durable wooden Hull and the rigging required to harness wind power across vast inland seas. These schooners were critical to the economic activity of the region, capable of navigating shallow harbors and enduring the rigors of long-distance voyages.

History

The Cornelia B. Windiate was launched in 1874 from the Manitowoc Shipyards for Thomas Windiate. It quickly became an integral part of the grain trade on the Great Lakes, carrying wheat and other agricultural products from the Midwest to Eastern markets. At the height of the Schooner’s service, the Great Lakes were a vital transportation artery, with thousands of vessels navigating these waters annually.

In the fall of 1875, the Windiate embarked on what would become its final voyage. Loaded with grain in Chicago and bound for Buffalo, the ship sailed into one of the ferocious autumn storms that frequently ravaged the Great Lakes. Such storms were notorious for their suddenness and intensity, often overwhelming ships unprepared for their force.

Tragically, the Windiate and its nine-member crew vanished without a trace. Despite efforts by other vessels and shoreline observers, no survivors, wreckage, or cargo were initially found. The families of the crew requested shipmasters to keep a lookout in the spring of 1876, but their pleas went unanswered as no evidence of the ship’s fate emerged. The Windiate became one of the many vessels lost to the Great Lakes, adding to its lore of shipwrecks and mysteries.

Final Disposition

The Cornelia B. Windiate sank during its final voyage in the fall of 1875. Presumed lost in the deep waters of Lake Michigan, the wreck eluded discovery for over a century.

In 1986, divers located the shipwreck, and the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan had preserved the vessel remarkably well. The discovery confirmed the ship’s identity and provided a rare glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history. Despite the find, the details of the ship’s final moments and the storm it encountered remain unknown, leaving the tragedy partially unresolved.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the Cornelia B. Windiate. However, its location is a known site for technical diving, and divers are advised to exercise caution and respect for the historical significance of the wreck.

Located By & Date

•Discovery Year: 1986

•Discovery Location: Lower Lake Michigan

•Preservation Status: The wreck remains in remarkable condition due to Lake Michigan’s cold, fresh water, which inhibits decay.

Resources & Links

Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Comprehensive shipwreck data, including the Cornelia B. Windiate.
Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes.
David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Archival details on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
Library of Congress Historic Newspapers: Articles on the loss of the Windiate.
NOAA Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Preservation and historical data on Great Lakes wrecks.

Conclusion

The Cornelia B. Windiate is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Its disappearance in 1875, coupled with the tragic loss of all nine crew members, highlights the unpredictable and often deadly nature of these inland seas. The wreck’s eventual discovery in 1986 offered some closure to its mysterious fate, showcasing the Schooner’s remarkable preservation and adding depth to the historical narrative of Great Lakes shipping. The Windiate remains a symbol of the resilience and courage of those who sailed these vast and unforgiving waters.

Keywords

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