Identification & Site Information

• Name: DAVID DOWS
• Official Number: 157029
• Date Built and Launched: 1881
• Measurements: Length: 265 feet (80.8 meters); Beam: 38 feet (11.6 meters); Depth: 18 feet (5.5 meters); Gross Tonnage: 1,481 tons
• Date Lost: November 30, 1889
• Vessel Type Wooden five-masted Schooner

Description

The DAVID DOWS was a remarkable wooden Schooner constructed in 1881 by the Bailey Brothers in Toledo, Ohio. Notably, she was the only five-masted Schooner ever built for service on the Great Lakes, earning her the nickname “Queen of the Lakes.” Her impressive dimensions and sail area made her one of the largest sailing vessels of her time, comparable in size to the famed “tea clippers.” Despite her grandeur, the DAVID DOWS proved to be impractical for the conditions of the Great Lakes, leading to her frequent use as a towed Barge rather than a fully rigged sailing vessel.

History

Launched in May 1881, the DAVID DOWS drew significant attention, with crowds gathering in Toledo to witness her maiden voyage. Her five towering masts, ranging from 97 to 162 feet in height, supported an enormous sail area of 70,000 square yards of canvas. Despite her impressive design, the vessel faced challenges due to her size, leading to difficulties in maneuverability and several collisions during her operational life. These incidents, coupled with her impracticality as a sailing ship on the Great Lakes, resulted in her Conversion to a towed Barge.

On November 16, 1889, the DAVID DOWS departed for Chicago with a cargo of coal, under tow by the Steamer AURORA, accompanied by the Barge GEORGE W. ADAMS. The convoy encountered a severe gale with heavy seas and blinding snow near Manitou Island. By November 29, the DAVID DOWS began taking on water, and despite efforts to manage the flooding with steam and hand pumps, the situation worsened. In the early hours of November 30, the Steamer AURORA cast off the tow line to seek assistance, leaving the crew of the DAVID DOWS to fend for themselves. The crew ceased pumping and sought refuge in the rigging as the vessel became engulfed in ice. They were eventually rescued by the Tug T.T. MORFORD, suffering from severe frostbite but with no loss of life. The DAVID DOWS succumbed to the weight of the ice, rolled onto her side, and sank bow-first approximately 10 miles southeast of Chicago, off the coast of Whiting, Indiana, in 42 feet of water. Her five masts remained above the surface, posing a navigational hazard until they were removed by winter ice. The Hull was partially salvaged in 1908, but remnants of the wreck continue to be a popular site for divers.

Final Disposition

The DAVID DOWS was lost to the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan on November 30, 1889. Her sinking, attributed to structural failure during a severe storm, resulted in her resting in 42 feet of water off the coast of Whiting, Indiana. While portions of the Hull were salvaged in 1908, the remaining wreckage has become a notable dive site, offering a glimpse into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the DAVID DOWS was known immediately upon sinking due to the protruding masts. Over time, the exact coordinates have been documented, and the site remains a point of interest for underwater archaeologists and divers.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the DAVID DOWS wreck site. However, divers are advised to exercise caution due to potential hazards associated with submerged structures.

Resources & Links

• Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society: David Dows Shipwreck
• Shipwreck World: The steamer Aurora next to the David Dows
• Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago: Wikipedia Entry

The legacy of the DAVID DOWS serves as a testament to the ambitious shipbuilding endeavors of the late 19th century on the Great Lakes. Her construction as the only five-masted Schooner in the region reflects the innovative spirit of the era, while her operational challenges underscore the complexities of maritime commerce in the inland seas. Today, the remains of the DAVID DOWS offer a tangible connection to this rich history, inviting exploration and study by those interested in the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

Keywords: DAVID DOWS, five-masted schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Michigan, maritime history

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Wooden Schooners

Glossary Terms:

• Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically rigged fore-and-aft, used extensively in the 19th and early 20th centuries for cargo transport.
• Five-Masted Schooner: A rare type of Schooner equipped with five masts, designed to maximize cargo capacity and sailing efficiency.
• Gross Tonnage: A measure of the overall internal volume of a vessel.
• Tow Barge: A vessel without its own means of propulsion, designed to be towed by another ship