Wreck Report: ONEIDA CHIEF

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: ONEIDA CHIEF
• Vessel Type: Schooner
• Date of Sinking: June 6, 1868
• Location: Sauble Point, Lake Michigan
• Cargo: 425 tons of iron ore
• Condition: Broken in two; abandoned at the wreck site.

Vessel Type Description

The ONEIDA CHIEF was a Schooner, a common type of sailing vessel on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners like the ONEIDA CHIEF were primarily used for transporting bulk goods such as iron ore, coal, and grain, essential to the thriving industries of the Great Lakes region.

History

The ONEIDA CHIEF was en route from Marquette, Michigan, to Erie, Pennsylvania, carrying a full load of 425 tons of iron ore. On the morning of June 6, 1868, the vessel ran aground at Sauble Point, a treacherous location on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.

Despite efforts to save the vessel, the Schooner broke in two under the relentless force of the waves. The damage was catastrophic, leading to the vessel being wrecked and Abandoned. The ship’s loss was reported in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser just days later, marking another casualty in the hazardous maritime trade on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the ONEIDA CHIEF remains at Sauble Point, though its exact location and condition are not specified in available records. The vessel’s cargo and any salvageable materials were likely removed following the abandonment.

Significance

The wreck of the ONEIDA CHIEF is a testament to the risks of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, particularly for vessels carrying heavy cargoes like iron ore. Sauble Point, known for its dangerous shoals, has been the site of numerous maritime incidents, and the ONEIDA CHIEF’s loss is emblematic of the challenges faced by mariners of the era.

Cautions & Advisories

Diving Suitability: Without precise coordinates or detailed surveys, the wreck’s location may not currently be accessible for diving or exploration.

Historical Preservation: Further investigation could reveal more about the site and its condition, offering valuable insights into 19th-century ship construction and cargo transport.

Sources

• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, June 8, 1868, Page 3, Column 3.
• ONEIDA CHIEF
• Lake Michigan Wrecks
• Schooner
• Iron Ore Transport
• 19th-Century Maritime History

Conclusion

The loss of the ONEIDA CHIEF in 1868 at Sauble Point adds to the storied maritime history of Lake Michigan. Though little remains known about the wreck’s current state, the tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes sailors and the critical role these vessels played in supporting the region’s industrial growth. Efforts to locate and document the wreck could help preserve its legacy for future generations.