Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Boscobel was originally constructed as a propeller in 1866, designed primarily for carrying lumber between Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois. It was a versatile vessel that underwent several transformations throughout its operational life. Initially powered by a propeller, it was later rebuilt as a barge and subsequently re-rigged as a three-mast schooner. This evolution in design reflected the changing needs and challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
History #
The Boscobel was launched in December 1866 from Peshtigo, Wisconsin, with its upper works completed in Chicago, Illinois, by Edward McGraw. The vessel was constructed by S.V.D. Philbrook for the Peshtigo Company, with Thomas H. Beebe serving as president. The Boscobel primarily carried lumber between Green Bay and Chicago, operating at speeds of 8 to 11 miles per hour.
In April 1869, the Boscobel was chartered by the New York Central Line for passenger and package freight services. By May of the same year, it was owned by the Peshtigo Lumbering Company, under the Union Steamboat Company Line.
A tragic incident occurred on September 3, 1869, when the Boscobel caught fire in the St. Clair River, about three miles below St. Clair. The fire claimed three lives and destroyed a cargo of railroad and pig iron, along with 150 tons of general merchandise. Despite this devastating event, the vessel was later raised and dismantled.
In 1873, Thomas Craig acquired the Boscobel, and in 1876, the vessel was rebuilt in Algonac, Michigan, by Abram Smith. It was transformed into a barge with one deck and one mast, boasting a gross tonnage of 503.89 tons and a capacity of 65,000 feet of lumber.
Further modifications were made in 1883 when the Boscobel was re-rigged as a three-mast schooner. The rebuild increased the vessel’s dimensions to 168.5 feet in length, 30.6 feet in beam, and 17.3 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 570 tons.
Throughout its operational history, the Boscobel encountered several incidents. In December 1895, the vessel sank near Turtle Light in Lake Erie after grounding on a bar but was later recovered. In September 1900, while carrying a load of coal, the Boscobel sprang a leak during a storm on Lake Huron and sank near Alpena, Michigan.
The vessel’s final enrollment was surrendered on May 7, 1903, in Port Huron, Michigan, marked as “sold foreign.” Reports indicate that the Boscobel eventually sank in 1904, although details of this final sinking are not fully documented.
Final Disposition #
The Boscobel ultimately met its end in Lake Huron near Alpena, Michigan, in 1900, following a severe leak during a storm. The vessel’s history of incidents and rebuilds reflects the challenging conditions faced by Great Lakes vessels of the era.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The wreck site is not known to be a navigational hazard today, and no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the site.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck was located near Alpena, Michigan, after it sank in 1900. Further details regarding the discovery or modern exploration are not specified.
Current Condition & Accessibility #
As the Boscobel sank over a century ago, the wreck’s condition and accessibility for diving or exploration are unknown based on the available information. However, its history as a vessel that underwent multiple transformations and survived several incidents makes it a point of interest for maritime historians and possibly for divers, depending on the wreck’s state and location.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion #
The Boscobel schooner-barge’s history is a testament to the dynamic and often perilous nature of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Built in 1866 and continuously modified to meet the demands of its time, the Boscobel played a significant role in the transportation of lumber and other goods. Despite the many challenges it faced, including fires, groundings, and eventual sinking, the Boscobel remains an integral part of Great Lakes maritime history, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of vessels and their crews during this era.
Keywords: #
- Boscobel
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Lake Huron Storm
- 19th Century Maritime Disaster
- Great Lakes Lumber Transport
- Shipwreck Salvage
- Schooner-Barge
The Boscobel stands as a significant example of a Great Lakes vessel that experienced a long and eventful service life, only to meet its end in the treacherous waters of Lake Huron. Its story contributes to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, where countless ships have faced the challenges of the inland seas.
