1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Niagara was a three-masted wooden schooner built in 1873 by Parsons & Humble at Barcelona, New York. Designed for the transportation of bulk cargo, the vessel had a single deck and was primarily used in the grain trade. The schooner measured 204.6 feet (62.4 meters) in length, with a beam of 34 feet (10.4 meters) and a depth of 14 feet (4.3 meters). The Niagara had a gross tonnage of 765.65 tons and a net tonnage of 726.52 tons, with a capacity to carry 55,000 bushels.
3. HISTORY #
The Niagara was launched in September 1873 and enrolled in Buffalo, New York, on September 18 of the same year. The schooner was originally owned by Winslow of Buffalo, New York, and played a significant role in the transportation of bulk goods, particularly grain, across the Great Lakes.
Throughout its service, the Niagara experienced several notable events. In October 1873, shortly after its launch, the vessel was involved in a collision at Port Huron, Michigan. Despite this early setback, the schooner continued to serve in the Great Lakes shipping trade.
In 1883, the Niagara was sold to James Corrigan of Cleveland, Ohio. Under Corrigan’s ownership, the vessel was employed in towing operations, often serving as a consort to larger steamers in the wheat trade between Duluth, Minnesota, and Buffalo, New York. By 1887, the Niagara was being towed by the steamers Egyptian and Australasia.
The Niagara faced numerous challenges during its operational life, including losing its mainmast in a squall on Lake Erie on April 19, 1887. The incident highlighted the difficulties and dangers of navigating the often turbulent waters of the Great Lakes.
Tragically, on September 7, 1887, the Niagara met its final demise. While being towed by the steamer Australasia, the schooner broke free during a gale. The violent weather caused the Niagara to capsize and sink approximately 3.5 miles off Vermilion Point in Lake Superior. Although the crew managed to escape the sinking vessel, they tragically perished when their lifeboat capsized in the stormy waters. The wreck of the Niagara was eventually located in 1972.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Niagara capsized and sank during a gale on September 7, 1887, approximately 3.5 miles off Vermilion Point in Lake Superior. The wreck was located in 1972, though specific details regarding the condition of the wreck are not readily available. The incident resulted in the loss of the vessel and all crew members aboard, marking a tragic end to the schooner’s operational life.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Niagara. However, mariners navigating near Vermilion Point should be aware of the potential underwater hazards associated with the wreck.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Niagara was located in 1972, approximately 3.5 miles off Vermilion Point, Lake Superior. The exact coordinates of the wreck are not provided, but the site has been known to divers and maritime historians since its discovery.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Details on the current condition of the Niagara’s wreck are not specified. As a wooden vessel that has been submerged for over a century, the structure is likely deteriorated, with significant wear due to the harsh underwater environment. The site is of historical interest and may be accessible to experienced divers with the appropriate skills and equipment.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- 3D Shipwrecks
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The sinking of the Niagara serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The schooner’s history, from its construction in 1873 to its tragic loss in 1887, reflects the challenges of Great Lakes shipping during this era. The discovery of the wreck in 1972 has allowed for further study and preservation of the vessel’s legacy.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
While the specific depth of the wreck is not provided, the Niagara’s location off Vermilion Point in Lake Superior suggests that it may be accessible to experienced divers. The condition of the wreck is likely poor due to the wooden construction and the length of time submerged. Divers should approach the site with caution and respect, keeping in mind the historical significance of the vessel and the tragedy that occurred.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Wooden Schooner
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Diving Site
CONCLUSION #
The schooner Niagara was a significant vessel in the grain trade on the Great Lakes, operating for 14 years before meeting its tragic end in 1887. The vessel’s history is marked by several notable incidents, including its loss during a gale on Lake Superior. The discovery of the wreck in 1972 has provided a valuable opportunity for further study and reflection on the risks faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes in the late 19th century.
