IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Robert Burns was a full-rigged wooden brig, one of the last of its kind on the Great Lakes. Unlike the more commonly seen brigantines, which typically featured a combination of square and fore-and-aft sails, the Robert Burns was rigged entirely with square sails on both masts, making it a traditional brig. This sail configuration, while powerful, required a highly skilled crew to manage effectively. The vessel was primarily used for transporting cargo such as wheat, a common commodity during the mid-19th century Great Lakes trade.
HISTORY #
The Robert Burns was built in 1848 by shipbuilder Zadoc Pangborn in Port Huron, Michigan. Measuring 126 feet in length and with a gross tonnage of 307 tons, it was a significant vessel in the Great Lakes fleet. It operated mainly out of Chicago, Illinois, and played a crucial role in the transportation of goods across the lakes.
Over its two-decade service, the Robert Burns experienced several incidents, reflecting the dangers of 19th-century maritime navigation. In 1850, it ran aground on East Sister Island in Lake Erie, causing substantial damage and a loss of $7,000—a significant amount at the time. The vessel was later repaired in Malden, allowing it to return to service. Another incident occurred in 1867, when the brig ran aground and sank at Michigan City. Despite this, it was successfully raised with only minor damage and continued to serve on the lakes.
The final and most tragic chapter in the history of the Robert Burns came on November 17, 1869. While navigating the Straits of Mackinac, the vessel encountered a severe storm east of Bois Blanc Island. It disappeared from view amidst the storm and was presumed to have foundered. All ten crew members aboard perished in the disaster, marking the end of the last full-rigged brig on the Great Lakes.
In the spring of 1871, efforts were made to locate and salvage the wreck of the Robert Burns. However, records do not provide detailed accounts of the outcome of these efforts, and the exact location of the wreck remains uncertain.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Robert Burns was last seen during a storm on November 17, 1869, in the Straits of Mackinac. It is believed to have foundered east of Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron. Despite efforts in 1871 to salvage the wreck, there is no conclusive information regarding the success of these operations. The wreck of the Robert Burns remains undiscovered, and all hands were lost during the sinking.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
No definitive location has been established for the wreck of the Robert Burns. Salvage attempts in 1871 did not yield successful recovery, and the vessel’s final resting place in Lake Huron remains unknown.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Robert Burns. The Straits of Mackinac are known for treacherous waters and unpredictable weather, making it an area where caution is advised for all mariners.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University Archives: Bowling Green State University
CONCLUSION #
The Robert Burns serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. As one of the last full-rigged brigs, its loss marks the end of an era in Great Lakes shipping. While its exact location remains a mystery, the Robert Burns continues to be a subject of interest for maritime historians and shipwreck enthusiasts, symbolizing the bravery and hardship of those who navigated these inland seas.
KEYWORDS #
- Robert Burns brig
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Straits of Mackinac
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Bois Blanc Island
- 19th-century sailing vessel
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
While precise GPS coordinates for the wreck site have not been determined, ongoing efforts by historians and shipwreck hunters continue to explore potential locations. Those interested in this shipwreck should monitor updates from relevant Great Lakes maritime resources and historical societies for any new developments.
