IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The ANTELOPE was a propeller steamship, a popular design for Great Lakes vessels during the mid-19th century, designed to efficiently transport bulk cargoes such as grain and lumber. Built in 1861 by J.L. Wolverton in Newport, Michigan, the ANTELOPE had a gross tonnage of 627 tons, a significant size for a vessel of its time. It was initially classified as an A 2 vessel, indicating a solid and reliable construction suited for long voyages on the often-turbulent waters of the Great Lakes. The ship was originally owned by E.B. Ward of Detroit, a prominent shipowner and industrialist.
HISTORY #
The ANTELOPE had a tumultuous career that reflected the challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century. Built in 1861, the steamship was first utilized for the transportation of grain and other bulk goods across the Great Lakes, playing a vital role in the region’s economy. By 1867, ownership of the vessel had changed hands to Lathrop & Co. of Racine.
On November 17, 1867, the ANTELOPE suffered a devastating fire while docked in front of Reed’s elevator in Buffalo, New York. The fire, which was believed to have started near the boiler, quickly spread, engulfing the vessel. The steamship was loaded with a valuable cargo of seventeen thousand bushels of wheat and six hundred barrels of flour, all of which were lost. The total damage was estimated at $150,000, a considerable sum for the time. Fortunately, the ANTELOPE was insured for $44,000, while the cargo was covered by $50,000 in insurance.
Despite the severe damage, the ANTELOPE‘s story did not end with the fire. In August 1868, the charred remains of the vessel were towed to Detroit by the tug Winslow. There, it was purchased by Ballentyne and Crawford, who undertook the task of rebuilding the ANTELOPE. The reconstruction took place at Clark’s drydock in Detroit, and by November 1868, the vessel was being converted into a steam lumber barge. The ANTELOPE was successfully rebuilt and returned to service, continuing to operate on the Great Lakes.
However, the ANTELOPE met its final fate in 1897 when it foundered in Lake Superior. The specifics of the incident remain unclear, but it marked the end of the vessel’s long and eventful career.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The ANTELOPE ultimately foundered in Lake Superior in 1897, bringing an end to its 36-year history. Despite being rebuilt after a devastating fire, the vessel could not escape the hazards of the Great Lakes, which claimed it during its final voyage.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the ANTELOPE wreck site in Lake Superior. Given the age and final location of the wreck, mariners should exercise general caution when navigating the waters of Lake Superior, particularly in areas known for historic wrecks.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the ANTELOPE‘s final resting place in Lake Superior is not well documented, and the wreck may not have been located with precision. The ship’s history, however, has been preserved through shipping records and insurance documents.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Primary Sources:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File – David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships – Great Lakes Ships
- Merchant Vessels of the United States – By United States Bureau of Customs
- Historical Newspapers – Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Buffalo Daily Republic, Erie Maritime History
CONCLUSION #
The ANTELOPE‘s history is one of resilience and adaptability. Despite suffering a catastrophic fire that nearly destroyed the vessel in 1867, it was rebuilt and continued to serve on the Great Lakes for nearly three more decades. The ship’s eventual foundering in Lake Superior in 1897 underscores the dangers faced by mariners on these inland seas. Today, the story of the ANTELOPE serves as a testament to the determination of those who built, operated, and rebuilt her, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the Great Lakes maritime community.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeSuperior #MaritimeHistory #Steamship #Antelope #19thCenturyShipping #GreatLakesMaritime #UnderwaterExploration #ShipwreckReconstruction #HistoricVessels