E.B. ALLEN U7818

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type Description #

The E.B. Allen was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel popular during the 19th century for transporting bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the E.B. Allen were characterized by their multiple masts and their ability to sail efficiently even with heavy loads. These vessels were vital to the commerce of the Great Lakes, carrying goods such as grain, coal, and lumber between ports.

History #

The E.B. Allen was constructed in 1864 in Ogdensburg, New York. The schooner was 111 feet in length, with a gross tonnage of 275, and it was employed primarily in the grain trade, transporting cargoes between various ports on the Great Lakes.

On September 18, 1871, while en route from Chicago to Buffalo, the E.B. Allen encountered heavy fog off Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. During these conditions, the schooner collided with the bark Newsboy. The collision tore a large hole in the port side of the E.B. Allen, causing it to rapidly take on water and eventually sink.

The E.B. Allen was carrying a cargo of grain at the time of the collision. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by the crew of the Newsboy, with no fatalities reported.

Final Disposition #

The wreck of the E.B. Allen now rests on the lakebed in approximately 100 feet of water. The hull of the schooner remains largely intact, although the masts have broken and most of the decking has deteriorated over time. Notable features of the wreck include the windlass, anchor chains, and rudder, all of which are still visible on the site.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

• Current Status: There are no current Notices to Mariners specifically related to this wreck. However, divers are advised to exercise caution when exploring the wreck site due to potential entanglement hazards and limited visibility in the area.

Located By & Date #

• Discovery: The wreck of the E.B. Allen has been known since shortly after its sinking. It is a popular dive site within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Resources & Links #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
• Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships Database
• NOAA – Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• VR Video: Virtual Reality Exploration of E.B. Allen

Conclusion #

The E.B. Allen is a testament to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, serving as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by 19th-century sailors. The wreck, which lies off Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, remains a popular site for divers and historians alike, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Despite the passage of time, the E.B. Allen continues to captivate those who explore its remains, providing valuable insights into the construction and operation of schooners during the era. The story of the E.B. Allen is a significant chapter in the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, embodying both the challenges and the resilience of the vessels and crews that once navigated these vast waters.

Keywords: #

• E.B. Allen
• Great Lakes Shipwrecks
• Schooner Wreck
• Thunder Bay Island
• Lake Huron Wreck
• 19th Century Schooner
• Maritime History
• NOAA Thunder Bay
• VR Shipwreck Exploration

The E.B. Allen remains a key piece of the Great Lakes’ maritime legacy, inviting exploration and study as part of the broader effort to preserve and understand the history of these vital waterways.