View Categories

L.M. Mason

4 min read

Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: L.M. Mason
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1853
  • Builder: Joseph P. Arnold, Port Huron, Michigan
  • Dimensions:
  • Length: 125 feet 3 inches (38.2 meters)
  • Beam: 25 feet 3 inches (7.7 meters)
  • Depth: 11 feet 3 inches (3.4 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 340 35/95 tons
  • Final Location: Near Presque Isle, Michigan, Lake Huron
  • Date of Wreck: October 22, 1861
  • GPS Coordinates 45°20.784’ N 83°29.613’ W
  • Cargo: Grain

Vessel Type Description

The L.M. Mason was a two-masted wooden Schooner designed for freight transport across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the L.M. Mason were integral to 19th-century maritime commerce, known for their efficiency in carrying bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and coal. With its sturdy wooden Hull and spacious cargo hold, the L.M. Mason was well-suited to meet the demands of the growing shipping industry of the mid-19th century.

History

Built in 1853 in Port Huron, Michigan, the L.M. Mason was launched during a period of rapid growth in the Great Lakes shipping trade. Its original owners, including its builder Joseph P. Arnold, quickly enrolled the vessel in Detroit for operations across the region. However, the Schooner’s career was fraught with challenges.

Key Events:

1853: Shortly after its launch, the Schooner was dismasted in a storm on Lake Ontario’s Mexico Bay, requiring repairs in Oswego.

1856: Collided with the Moselle near Point Pelee on Lake Erie but was repaired and returned to service.

1860: In separate incidents, the Schooner collided with the Morning Light on Lake Erie and was damaged in a squall near Beaver Island.

1861: Just months before its final wreck, the vessel suffered damage in a storm but was repaired.

Ownership changes were frequent, with the Schooner being sold to Nickles and Whitcomb in 1853, John Owen in 1854, and Eldred & Balcon in 1860, reflecting the economic flux and the demands placed on Great Lakes vessels.

Final Disposition

On October 22, 1861, the L.M. Mason encountered a fierce gale while navigating near Presque Isle, Michigan, on Lake Huron. Unable to withstand the storm’s intensity, the Schooner was driven ashore and wrecked. The valuable cargo of grain was lost, and the vessel was stripped of its materials before being Abandoned. Despite its resilience and multiple repairs over its lifespan, the Schooner succumbed to the perilous waters of the Great Lakes.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the wreck of the L.M. Mason. Divers and researchers interested in the site are advised to respect the historical significance of the wreck while navigating nearby waters.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the L.M. Mason has been documented by maritime historians near Presque Isle, Michigan. While precise coordinates have not been widely published, the location remains part of the rich maritime history of Lake Huron.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the L.M. Mason likely rest in a shallow area near Presque Isle, making the site potentially accessible to divers and researchers. However, the extent of preservation or deterioration is undocumented, and the site requires careful exploration to ensure minimal disruption.

Resources & Links

3D Model L.M. Mason

LM Mason by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

L.M. Mason by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The L.M. Mason exemplifies the resilience and challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes schooners. From its construction in 1853 to its ultimate wreck in 1861, the vessel experienced a storied career marked by adversity, adaptability, and the relentless demands of the Great Lakes shipping trade. Its final resting place near Presque Isle, Michigan, stands as a tribute to the maritime history of the region, offering a window into the lives of those who braved the unpredictable waters of Lake Huron.

Keywords

#SchoonerLMMason #LakeHuronWrecks #GreatLakesShipwrecks #19thCenturyShipping #PresqueIsleMichigan #GrainTrade #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesSchooners #JosephArnold #ShipwrecksOfMichigan


Discover more from Shotline Diving - The Great Lakes Goto

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Powered by BetterDocs

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.