The Big Bay Sloop: A Mystery of Lake Superior’s Depths
In the vast expanse of Lake Superior, off the coast of Madeline Island in La Pointe, Wisconsin, lies an enigmatic sunken sloop known as the Big Bay Sloop. This unidentified vessel, resting silently on the lakebed, has intrigued historians and shipwreck enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance and the mystery surrounding its identity have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places and a designation as a National Marine Protected Area.
The discovery of the wreck east of Big Bay State Park in the 1990s sparked curiosity and excitement among maritime explorers. However, unlike many shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, the lack of documentation of small craft from that era has shrouded the Big Bay Sloop’s true identity in uncertainty. Researchers have been unable to pinpoint the exact origin and history of this intriguing vessel.
Examinations of the wreckage have provided some clues about the sloop’s possible timeline. The presence of wire rigging and a metal cleat on the sunken remains suggest that it likely dates from sometime between 1880 and 1920. During this period, the Great Lakes were bustling with maritime activity, with merchant vessels traversing the waters to transport goods and passengers between ports.
Speculations among historians and archaeologists point to the Big Bay Sloop being a merchant vessel due to its construction and features. As a merchant vessel, it would have played a vital role in the region’s economy, contributing to the transportation of various commodities and materials essential for the development and growth of the local communities.
The lack of other known wrecks of this type in Wisconsin waters further adds to the allure of the Big Bay Sloop. Its uniqueness and the scarcity of historical records of similar small craft have made it a captivating subject for research and exploration.
As one of Lake Superior’s hidden mysteries, the Big Bay Sloop offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime past of the region. The wreckage’s presence on the lakebed serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges faced by sailors and ships navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
While the Big Bay Sloop’s identity may remain elusive, its designation as a National Marine Protected Area ensures that the site is preserved and protected. As divers and researchers continue to explore the vessel and its surroundings, they hope to unravel the secrets held within the sunken remains, shedding light on its origin and the stories of those who once sailed on this now silent and submerged piece of history.
For now, the Big Bay Sloop remains an enigmatic piece of Lake Superior’s maritime heritage, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries hidden beneath the waves and appreciate the rich history that lies beneath the surface of one of North America’s greatest bodies of freshwater.
