IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Alvin Buckingham was a wooden-hulled schooner, a typical Great Lakes cargo vessel of the mid-19th century. These schooners were designed with two or more masts and rigged to maximize wind efficiency, allowing for swift transport of goods like iron ore, coal, and lumber. The vessel’s moderate size and shallow draft were well-suited to navigate the sometimes hazardous and shallow waters of the Great Lakes, where storms and changing weather could quickly turn a routine journey into a perilous one.
HISTORY #
Built in 1853 by A. Gilmore in Perrysburg, Ohio, the Alvin Buckingham was a key player in the busy maritime commerce on the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Huron. Registered in Cleveland, Ohio, the schooner transported various cargos across the lake, contributing to the economic boom of the surrounding regions during the mid-19th century. On October 15, 1870, while en route on Lake Huron, approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) above Harrisville, Michigan, the vessel encountered a severe storm. The heavy seas caused the ship to spring a leak, and despite the crew’s desperate attempts to reach the shore, the vessel foundered and sank in 20 feet (6 meters) of water. The crew managed to escape in a yawl boat and were later rescued by the tug Sandusky. The Alvin Buckingham was considered a total loss, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
After the vessel sank, it was left undisturbed for several years. Later, salvage operations conducted by the steam wrecking barge Monitor recovered some of the iron ore from the wreck and other nearby wrecks in the area. The wreck of the Alvin Buckingham was eventually located approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) below Black River Island on Black River Reef. Despite these efforts, the vessel itself was not raised, and it remained on the lakebed, where it continues to rest today.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was located during salvage operations conducted by the steam wrecking barge Monitor. The exact date of the wreck’s discovery is not well-documented, but it was found near Black River Island, an area known for several wreck sites.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Alvin Buckingham. However, the area near Black River Reef is known for hazardous navigation due to multiple wrecks and shallow waters. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution, especially during periods of low visibility.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: This database contains detailed records of many Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the Alvin Buckingham.
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Vessels Online Database
- NOAA Wrecks Map: Check the NOAA wrecks map for updated information and any new advisories related to the site.
- Newspaper Archives: Historical newspaper references related to the wreck may be found in archives such as NewspaperArchive, which could provide additional context and reports on the sinking.
CONCLUSION #
The Alvin Buckingham represents one of the many maritime tragedies of the Great Lakes, where the forces of nature often overcame even the most robust vessels. Although not as famous as some other shipwrecks, it serves as a reminder of the perils faced by mariners in the 19th century. The wreck remains a part of Lake Huron’s underwater heritage, offering insights into the region’s rich maritime history.
KEYWORDS #
- Alvin Buckingham
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- 19th-century schooner
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Black River Reef
- Shipwreck salvage operations
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
While precise GPS coordinates for the wreck site were not provided in the original records, interested researchers and divers should consult the NOAA wrecks map or other detailed maritime resources for up-to-date coordinates and diving conditions. Efforts should be made to constantly update this information as new discoveries and technologies provide more accurate data on wreck locations.
