IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The Harvey Bissell was a wooden barkentine—a type of schooner with three masts, where the foremast is square-rigged and the other masts are fore-and-aft rigged. This vessel was designed for cargo transport, mainly lumber, across the Great Lakes, reflecting the robust and adaptable shipbuilding practices of the mid-19th century.
HISTORY: The Harvey Bissell was constructed in 1866 in Toledo, Ohio, by H.B. Rathbun & Son and was initially owned by Harvey Bissell and Lyman Miner, also of Toledo. This wooden barkentine had a long and eventful service life, marked by several ownership changes and multiple incidents. Notably, in November 1870, the vessel foundered and was beached by the tugboat KATE MOFFAT before being repaired in Detroit.
Over the years, the ownership of the Bissell changed hands several times. By 1887, it was owned by Ben Boutell and others from Bay City, Michigan, and later, in 1888, by Henry E. Pierce from West Bay City. The vessel continued its service on the Great Lakes, primarily in the lumber trade, until its tragic end.
FINAL DISPOSITION: On November 28, 1905, during a violent 48-hour gale on Lake Huron, the Harvey Bissell was caught in the storm near Thunder Bay Island while being towed by the steamer McGregor. The vessel was driven ashore near Bell, Michigan, also known as False Presque Isle Harbor. Though the crew was safely rescued by the tugboat John Owen, the Bissell sustained significant damage. Despite being towed to Alpena, Michigan, for further inspection, a subsequent storm caused the already aged hull to shatter completely, leading to its total destruction.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the Harvey Bissell.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The exact location of the Harvey Bissell’s wreck is well documented and lies near Middle Island in Lake Huron. The wreck was identified soon after the vessel’s sinking in 1905.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary
KEYWORDS: Harvey Bissell, barkentine, schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Huron, Middle Island, lumber trade, 19th-century shipbuilding.
CONCLUSION: The Harvey Bissell’s story is a classic example of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Despite a robust design and numerous repairs throughout its service life, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the forces of nature in a powerful storm. Today, the wreck of the Harvey Bissell rests in the shallow waters off Middle Island in Lake Huron, providing an accessible and poignant reminder of the maritime history that shaped the region. The wreck site offers an immersive experience for divers and maritime enthusiasts, allowing them to connect with the past in a tangible way.
