ARMENIA U107219

Identification & Site Information #

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Vessel Type Description #

The Armenia was a large schooner barge, constructed primarily of wood, and designed for the transport of bulk cargo such as ore across the Great Lakes. With a substantial length of 288 feet, the Armenia was a significant vessel of its time, capable of carrying large amounts of material while being towed by steamers. The vessel had undergone considerable repairs, costing $10,000, during the winter before its final voyage, highlighting its importance in the fleet.

History #

The Armenia had a varied and eventful operational history, reflecting the busy and often perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel changed ownership multiple times, indicating its continued utility and value in the maritime industry.

In 1898, the Armenia was towed by the vessel Venezuela, marking one of its many engagements in the towing trade. Ownership transitioned to James Mowatt of Chicago, Illinois, in 1900 and then to A. Beacher of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1901, who acquired the vessel for $55,000. These transactions underscored the Armenia‘s ongoing role in the region’s economic activity, particularly in the transport of ore and other heavy materials.

The Armenia met its tragic end on May 9, 1906, while being towed by the steamer Pabst during a storm on Lake Erie. The vessel foundered approximately 4 miles northwest of the Middle Ground in Pelee Passage. Despite the harrowing circumstances, all crew members were rescued by the Pabst. The schooner barge broke in two and sank to the lake’s bottom, resting in 7 fathoms (42 feet) of water. Captain Cooper, the master of the Armenia, reported that the vessel would be a total loss, despite the significant investment in repairs over the winter.

Initially, there was some confusion about the incident. Captain Fred Stewart of the steamship A.E. Stewart reported the sinking at Lime Kiln Crossing, which was first believed to involve the schooner Wilcox near Colchester. However, it was later confirmed to be the Armenia.

The loss of the Armenia was mentioned alongside the Algeria, its sister ship, which was also lost in the same storm. The managing owner of the Algeria, Captain Sidney Scott, offered a reward for the recovery of the bodies of Captain Elmen and George Wallen, who were lost in that incident. The Armenia was insured for $36,000, a significant sum reflecting its value at the time.

In the aftermath of the sinking, there were calls to mark the wreck of the Armenia with a buoy to warn other vessels navigating Lake Erie. The Canadian government’s marine department took up this matter, recognizing the importance of maintaining safe passage in the lake’s busy shipping lanes.

Another tragedy linked to the wreck occurred on September 18, 1906, when the C. Packard collided with the wreck of the Armenia and subsequently sank. This incident further emphasized the dangers posed by unmarked wrecks in navigable waters.

Final Disposition #

• Date of Loss: May 9, 1906
• Cause of Loss: Foundered during a storm while being towed
• Crew: All crew members survived
• Final Location: Pelee Passage, Lake Erie

Tags #

• Shipwreck
• Schooner Barge
• Lake Erie
• 20th Century Vessel
• Maritime History
• Great Lakes Shipwreck
• Foundering in Storm
• Cargo Loss

Conclusion #

The Armenia‘s story is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by vessels and crews on the Great Lakes. Despite being a well-maintained and valuable vessel, the Armenia could not withstand the forces of nature that beset it on May 9, 1906. The loss of the Armenia and its cargo of ore in Pelee Passage underscores the dangers inherent in maritime navigation during that era.

While the crew’s survival provides a note of relief, the sinking of the Armenia also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of marking wreck sites to prevent further tragedies. The incident involving the C. Packard later that year only reinforces this lesson. The Armenia‘s final resting place in Lake Erie remains a significant marker in the region’s maritime history, a testament to the enduring challenges faced by those who ventured across these inland seas.

Resources & Links #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Bowling Green State University