IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
- MEDORA: The MEDORA was a scow, a type of flat-bottomed boat commonly used in the 19th century for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Built in 1861 in Clayton, New York, the MEDORA had a burden of 64 tons and was valued at $2,000. The vessel was classified as a C 1 type, indicating its role in commercial transport. Its home port was Detroit, Michigan.
- H. B. STEELE: The schooner H. B. STEELE was another commercial vessel operating on the Great Lakes. Schooners were often used for carrying cargo due to their speed and capacity, making them a common sight in Great Lakes shipping lanes.
HISTORY #
Incident Details
The collision between the scow MEDORA and the schooner H. B. STEELE occurred under challenging conditions. The MEDORA was in the process of loading cargo at Grim’s Pier, near Wolf River, when a sudden storm struck. The unexpected weather caused confusion among the crews of the vessels docked at the pier.
As the storm intensified, the H. B. STEELE attempted to depart from the pier to avoid being trapped by the worsening conditions. However, in the chaos of the moment, the schooner collided with the scow MEDORA. The impact of the collision was severe, causing the MEDORA to spring a leak. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it quickly began to take on water and sank in just 7 feet of water.
The damage to the MEDORA was extensive, and it was reported that the vessel eventually broke apart due to the force of the collision and the subsequent flooding. The MEDORA was considered a total loss.
Vessel Information
The MEDORA was a scow with a burden of 64 tons, built in 1861 in Clayton, New York. It was classified as a C 1 vessel and valued at $2,000—a significant sum at the time. The scow had been in service for several years before the incident, primarily engaged in transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
The vessel’s official number was 16451, and it was listed in various editions of the Chicago Tribune between 1869 and 1878, indicating its regular presence in the Great Lakes maritime industry. The MEDORA’s home port was Detroit, Michigan, from where it operated until its unfortunate demise.
Aftermath and Significance
The collision between the MEDORA and the H. B. STEELE underscores the risks inherent in maritime operations, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Storms on the Great Lakes can arise suddenly, leaving little time for vessels to maneuver to safety. The loss of the MEDORA is one of many such incidents that have occurred over the years, contributing to the rich but often tragic maritime history of the region.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by maritime workers during the 19th century, a time when the Great Lakes were bustling with commercial activity. Vessels like the MEDORA and H. B. STEELE played crucial roles in the transportation of goods, and their crews were tasked with navigating the often perilous waters of the Great Lakes.
Despite the loss of the MEDORA, its story lives on in maritime records and serves as a reminder of the dangers that sailors have long faced on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s fate is documented alongside other ships that became total losses, marking its place in the annals of Great Lakes history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The scow MEDORA was lost as a result of the collision with the H. B. STEELE. After the initial impact and subsequent flooding, the vessel sank in shallow water near Grim’s Pier. The MEDORA was considered a total loss, with the wreckage breaking apart shortly after sinking.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Located by: Not applicable; the MEDORA was lost in shallow water and likely salvaged or broken apart shortly after the incident.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific NOTMARs associated with the incident, as it occurred in the 19th century. However, the collision serves as a historical example of the dangers posed by sudden storms and the challenges of navigating busy maritime areas like the Great Lakes.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society
- Chicago Tribune Archives: Historical editions from 1869 to 1878 provide contemporary accounts of vessels like the MEDORA and the risks they faced.
- Great Lakes Maritime History: An online resource for exploring the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, including incidents like the collision of the MEDORA and H. B. STEELE.
Significance of the Site #
The collision between the MEDORA and H. B. STEELE underscores the risks faced by maritime workers during the 19th century, a time when the Great Lakes were bustling with commercial activity. The loss of the MEDORA adds to the rich but often tragic history of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, reminding us of the dangers inherent in maritime navigation.
Challenges and Future Exploration #
While the MEDORA likely no longer exists in a recoverable state, its story remains an important part of Great Lakes history. The incident highlights the challenges of maritime navigation during a time when vessels were frequently at the mercy of the elements and underscores the importance of historical research in preserving these stories for future generations.
