The CHICKAMAUGA was a schooner-barge that was built in 1898 by James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan. It had an official number of 127259 and was constructed using wood. The vessel measured approximately 322 feet in length, 45 feet in width, and had a depth of 21.5 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 2,472 tons and a net tonnage of 2,399 tons.
On September 12, 1919, the CHICKAMAUGA foundered just outside the harbor at Harbor Beach, Michigan, in Lake Huron. At the time of the incident, the vessel was downbound and being towed by the steamer CENTURION. The CHICKAMAUGA encountered a storm with huge waves, and it sprung a leak, leading to its sinking. Thankfully, there was no loss of life among the 11 people on board.
The CHICKAMAUGA was carrying iron ore at the time of the sinking. After the incident, the wreckage was dynamited and mostly removed in 1920. The vessel had a history of incidents, including a previous stranding in 1908 when it collided with the disabled steamer Samuel Mitchell in a fog near Ashland. Both vessels were eventually repaired.
The CHICKAMAUGA was known as the largest schooner on the Great Lakes when it was launched in 1898. It was designed specifically for the iron ore trade and was a significant carrier in its time. The vessel was owned by the Mentor Transit Co. at the time of its sinking.
The final location of the CHICKAMAUGA’s wreck was approximately one mile off Harbor Beach, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The vessel foundered due to the storm and a sprung leak.
