The Tragic Fate of the Cambridge
The Destructive Storm That Claimed a Majestic Three-Masted Schooner
On August 30, 1873, the tranquil waters of Lake Superior turned into a maelstrom of destruction as a ferocious storm battered the shores near Marquette, Michigan, specifically at Big Bay Point. It was during this tempestuous event that the Cambridge, a magnificent three-masted wooden schooner, met its untimely demise.
The Cambridge, measuring 162 feet in length, 28 feet in width, and with a depth of 12.8 feet, was an impressive vessel that had been built just five years earlier at the Detroit Dry Dock in Detroit, Michigan. Constructed under the watchful eyes of Campbell & Owen, the schooner was designated as hull number 4 and originally owned by Merrick & Co. of Detroit.
Equipped with wire rigging and a topsail, the Cambridge boasted a gross tonnage of 445.15 and a net tonnage of 437. It was a vessel of remarkable strength and beauty, sailing the Great Lakes with grace and purpose.
However, on that fateful day in August, the Cambridge was no match for the wrath of Lake Superior. Caught in the midst of a violent gale, it was mercilessly thrown onto the rocky shore, its hull battered and shattered by the relentless power of the storm. The ship, carrying a cargo of iron ore destined for Cleveland, Ohio, met its final resting place near Marquette.
The crew of the Cambridge, though fortunate enough to escape with their lives, could only watch in despair as their vessel succumbed to the unforgiving forces of nature. The ship was left broken and splintered, a haunting reminder of the treacherous nature of the Great Lakes and the perils faced by those who sailed upon them.
The loss of the Cambridge was a devastating blow to the maritime community, leaving behind a void that could never be filled. The wreckage served as a somber reminder of the risks undertaken by sailors in their quest to navigate the vast inland seas, transporting valuable cargo and connecting distant ports.
In the annals of maritime history, the Cambridge stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of sailors and the enduring power of Lake Superior. While the storm may have claimed the physical vessel, the memory of the Cambridge lives on, etched into the lore of the Great Lakes and the bravery of those who ventured upon its unpredictable waters.
Today, the story of the Cambridge serves as a reminder to all who traverse the Great Lakes: nature’s forces can be formidable, and the lakes demand the utmost respect. The tale of the Cambridge stands as a tribute to the countless vessels and seafarers lost to the depths, forever engraving their legacy in the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region.
