The schooner CHIPPEWA, built in 1837 in Maumee, Ohio, was one of the earliest vessels operating on Lake Superior. This wooden schooner, measuring 45 feet in length, 11 feet in beam, and 5 feet in depth, had a tonnage of 20 tons. It played a significant role in the fur trade and transportation of goods on the Great Lakes.
On December 6, 1847, tragedy struck when the CHIPPEWA ran aground on Sawtooth Reef near the tip of Keweenaw Peninsula in Lake Superior. The vessel became stranded, unable to free itself from the reef. The exact details of the crew’s fate are uncertain, but according to reports, they managed to walk to Milwaukee, which suggests that they survived the incident.
It is worth noting that the CHIPPEWA had previously undergone a notable feat in 1845 when it was portaged around the rapids of the St. Marys River, known as the Soo. This allowed the vessel to continue operating on Lake Superior, expanding its reach and contributing to the region’s trade and transportation network.
Over time, the wreck of the CHIPPEWA on Sawtooth Reef has become a historical reminder of the challenges and risks faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes. The reef itself is notorious for its hazardous conditions, characterized by shallow waters and submerged rocks, posing a constant threat to vessels in the area.
While the fate of the crew during the CHIPPEWA’s stranding remains unclear, the incident serves as a testament to the dangers faced by sailors in the 19th century. The wreck of the CHIPPEWA stands as a reminder of the rich maritime history of Lake Superior and the Great Lakes region as a whole.
