IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The DACOTAH was a wooden schooner-barge built in 1867 by R. Hayes in Fairport, Ohio. Schooner-barges were commonly used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially for transporting bulk cargoes like lumber, coal, or iron ore across the Great Lakes. The DACOTAH featured two masts and was designed to be towed by steamers, which allowed it to carry substantial loads while maintaining stability and maneuverability.
HISTORY
The DACOTAH served as a crucial part of the Great Lakes shipping industry during the latter half of the 19th century. Built to carry heavy cargoes such as lumber, it was an integral part of the transport network that supported the booming industries around the Great Lakes. The vessel was registered out of Cleveland and primarily operated in the waters of Lake Erie and Lake Huron.
Throughout its operational life, the DACOTAH was involved in several voyages, transporting lumber and other materials to various ports around the Great Lakes. The vessel’s wooden construction and large cargo capacity made it a valuable asset for its owners, contributing significantly to the trade that fueled the economic growth of the region during that period.
FINAL DISPOSITION
On September 24, 1901, the DACOTAH was caught in a severe gale while navigating the waters of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The storm, known for its intensity, drove the schooner-barge ashore, where it was wrecked. The specifics of the loss, including whether there were any casualties, remain unclear, but the wreck marked the end of the vessel’s service on the Great Lakes.
The exact location of the wreck has not been well-documented, and it remains a point of interest for maritime historians and divers alike. The wreckage of the DACOTAH, like many others from that era, is a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes during a time when weather prediction was far less advanced than today.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories directly associated with the DACOTAH wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The precise location of the DACOTAH wreck has not been confirmed in recent records. The wreck is believed to be somewhere in Georgian Bay, but further exploration and identification are required to locate the remains accurately.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: Given the lack of precise location data, the current condition of the DACOTAH wreck is unknown. Wooden wrecks from this period are typically subject to significant deterioration due to the natural environment of the Great Lakes. However, it is possible that remnants of the vessel remain on the lakebed, offering a historical site for diving and exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- Georgian Bay Shipwrecks
- Historic Vessels on the Great Lakes
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Please note that the availability of online resources may vary, and some links might provide general information on Great Lakes shipwrecks rather than specific details on the DACOTAH.
KEYWORDS: DACOTAH, DAKOTAH, Schooner-Barge, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, Lumber, Storm, 1901, Shipwreck
CONCLUSION: The DACOTAH’s story is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the dangers that ships faced during the height of maritime commerce in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While many details of the vessel’s final moments remain shrouded in mystery, its loss underscores the challenges of navigating these vast inland seas. As interest in Great Lakes shipwrecks continues, the DACOTAH remains an intriguing subject for further exploration and study, offering insights into a bygone era of maritime history.
