Shipwreck Report: Schooner Barge DELAWARE

Identification & Site Information

• Name: DELAWARE

• Type: Schooner Barge

• Year Built: 1868

• Builder: Campbell and Owen Shipyard, Detroit, MI

• Dimensions:

• Length: 173.6 feet (52.9 meters)

• Beam: 30.4 feet (9.3 meters)

• Depth: 13.6 feet (4.1 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 547 tons

• Final Location: Sturgeon Bay, Drummond Island, MI (Lake Huron)

• Coordinates: Latitude 45°59.920’N, Longitude 83°49.500’W

• Final Depth: Shallow water, accessible to snorkelers and kayakers

Vessel Type Description

The DELAWARE was a Schooner Barge, specifically designed for the iron ore trade. These vessels were common on the Great Lakesduring the late 19th century, serving as bulk freighters for a variety of cargoes, including coal, iron ore, grain, timber, and lumber. Schooner barges were often towed behind steam-powered vessels, a cost-effective way to increase cargo capacity.

History

Early Years (1868-1885)

Launched in 1868 from the Campbell and Owen Shipyard in Detroit, the DELAWARE began her career transporting iron ore, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. Owned by her builders, she quickly established a reputation as a reliable bulk freighter.

In 1871, the DELAWARE joined the Winslow fleet of Buffalo, a prominent shipping company based in Cleveland. This change marked the beginning of her rise as a key player in the bustling Great Lakes trade.

Challenges and Resilience (1885-1898)

By 1885, the DELAWARE was part of the Wilson fleet, another Cleveland-based operation. However, disaster struck in 1887 when she wrecked at Hammond Bay, MI, while carrying Pig Iron. Despite the damage, she was raised and Rebuilt, resuming service.

The Lumber Hooker Era (1898-1926)

In 1898, the DELAWARE became part of the Blodgett fleet, known for their lumber trade. For nearly three decades, she served as a lumber hooker, transporting timber across the Great Lakes.

The Final Chapter (1926-1927)

In 1926, the aging vessel was sold to Samuel Shields and Earl Weston of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. After nearly 60 years of service, records of the DELAWARE end in 1927, leaving her fate shrouded in mystery. Local lore suggests she was Abandoned in Sturgeon Bay on Drummond Island, where she was intended to serve as a crib for dock construction. The dock project never materialized, and the vessel was left to decay.

Final Disposition

The DELAWARE rests in shallow water in Sturgeon Bay, Drummond Island. Only the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of her Hull and scattered artifacts remain. While not a significant diving destination, the site is accessible to snorkelers and kayakers, offering a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.

Diving and Exploration

• Accessibility: Ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.

• Visibility: Likely influenced by weather and silt disturbance, but typically clear in the calm waters of Sturgeon Bay.

• Notable Features: Remains of the Hull and occasional artifacts from her operational life.

Legacy

The Schooner Barge DELAWARE is a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes vessels and the bustling maritime trade of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her long service life, multiple rebuilds, and eventual abandonment in Sturgeon Bay encapsulate the lifecycle of many Great Lakes freighters. Today, her wreck offers a quiet memorial to the industrious spirit of Great Lakes shipping.

External Links

• Visit Drummond Island:

Explore more about the island’s history and natural beauty.

Drummond Island Tourism

Conclusion

The DELAWARE’s journey, from a robust iron ore freighter to a forgotten relic in Sturgeon Bay, tells a story of adaptation, resilience, and the passage of time. While her remains are modest, they serve as a tangible connection to the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#SchoonerBargeDelaware #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #LakeHuronShipwrecks #DrummondIsland #SturgeonBay #MaritimeHeritage #GreatLakesLumberHookers #19thCenturyShipwrecks