Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Kyle Spangler
• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: Mid-19th Century (exact date unknown)
• Owner: Parties based in New York City
• Cargo: 15,000 bushels of corn
• Final Location: Lake Huron
• Date of Wreck: November 10, 1860
• GPS Location: N45° 23.011’ W83° 26.115’
• Estimated Value: $10,000

Vessel Type Description

The Kyle Spangler was a typical mid-19th-century wooden schooner, designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners of this era were integral to Great Lakes commerce, often carrying agricultural products such as corn, wheat, and lumber between major ports. They featured sturdy wooden hulls and relied on wind power, with a simple rigging system for efficient operation across the large inland seas.

History

The Kyle Spangler was a vital part of the bustling trade network connecting Chicago, Buffalo, and other key ports on the Great Lakes. Its construction and operation were representative of the schooners that played a pivotal role in the economic development of the region. On November 10, 1860, while en route from Chicago to Buffalo with a cargo of 15,000 bushels of corn, the Kyle Spangler collided with the Schooner Racine in Lake Huron.

Details of the Collision

The collision occurred between the Kyle Spangler’s cathead (a projecting beam at the bow used for hoisting anchors) and nighthead (a structural part of the bow), suggesting a forceful impact. The damage was severe enough to cause the Kyle Spangler to founder within approximately ten minutes of the collision. The rapid sinking left no time for significant salvage efforts or recovery of its valuable cargo.

Final Disposition

The Kyle Spangler sank to the depths of Lake Huron following the collision. The Schooner’s wooden Hull, combined with the natural deterioration in the cold, fresh waters of the Great Lakes, suggests that its remains are likely scattered and deteriorated. The wreck’s precise location remains undetermined, but its historical significance highlights the risks faced by Great Lakes mariners during the 19th century.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically linked to the wreck of the Kyle Spangler. The site, if identified, may be of interest to divers and historians, but caution is advised due to the potential for submerged hazards and variable lakebed conditions.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Offers records on schooners and notable incidents.
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Resources on Lake Huron shipwrecks, including schooners.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Provides insights into Great Lakes maritime history.
• 3DShipwrecks – Kyle Spangler

3D Model – Kyle Spangler

Schooner Kyle Spangler by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Kyle Spangler by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The sinking of the Kyle Spangler on November 10, 1860, is a vivid example of the dangers faced by Great Lakes schooners navigating busy trade routes. The collision with the Racine and subsequent rapid sinking underscore the challenges of maritime operations in an era before modern navigation aids. While its wreck remains elusive, the story of the Kyle Spangler highlights the critical role of schooners in shaping the economic history of the Great Lakes region.

Photomosaic by NOAA

Keywords #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeHuron #KyleSpangler #Schooner #MaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipping #Collision #GreatLakesTrade #CornCargo