IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Lottie Wolf was a wooden barkentine, a type of schooner, with a single deck and three masts. It was designed for coastal and Great Lakes trade, primarily carrying bulk cargo such as lumber, grain, and other goods across the lakes. The vessel’s construction and design were typical of mid-19th century Great Lakes shipping, featuring a robust wooden hull capable of withstanding the variable conditions encountered on these inland seas.
HISTORY: #
The Lottie Wolf had an eventful career, marked by several significant incidents. Shortly after its construction in 1866, the vessel underwent repairs to its keel in Detroit. Over the years, it faced multiple challenges, including collisions, storms, and structural damage, which necessitated frequent repairs. Some notable incidents include:
- 1869: Collision with the schooner M.B. Spaulding in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron.
- 1871: Loss of topmasts during a storm on Lake Huron, and later sinking at Milwaukee piers, followed by a successful salvage.
- 1877: Loss of sails in a squall off Leeland, Michigan, and subsequent towing to Port Colborne, Ontario, for repairs.
Despite these challenges, the Lottie Wolf continued to serve on the Great Lakes, carrying goods and contributing to the bustling maritime economy of the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On October 9, 1891, the Lottie Wolf met its final fate when it struck a large boulder and ran ashore on Hope Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. After the incident, the vessel was stripped of all useful materials and officially abandoned on October 22, 1891. Today, the remains of the Lottie Wolf rest near the north shore of Hope Island, serving as a historical relic of the Great Lakes shipping era.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Current Notices: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Lottie Wolf wreck site. Divers should consult local maritime advisories for up-to-date information.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Discovery Date: The wreck has been known to local historians and divers for some time, though no specific discovery date is documented.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- National Museum of the Great Lakes
- NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
PICTURES: #
KEYWORDS: #
Lottie Wolf, Schooner, Barkentine, Hope Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Maritime History.
CONCLUSION: #
The Lottie Wolf stands as a testament to the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners during the 19th century. Its long service life, marked by numerous repairs and incidents, reflects the harsh conditions and perils of navigating these inland waters. Today, the wreck of the Lottie Wolf near Hope Island offers a poignant glimpse into the past, allowing divers and historians alike to connect with the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
