IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE was a wooden Barkentine, a type of sailing ship with three masts, traditionally rigged with a square sail on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the remaining masts. Built for durability and cargo capacity, this vessel was used extensively for transporting goods across the Great Lakes, including substantial loads like iron ore and grain.
HISTORY: #
Constructed in 1863 in Manitowoc, WI, the CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE had a storied career on the Great Lakes. Initially owned by Platt, Vilas, et al., the vessel was homeported in Milwaukee, WI. The ship underwent multiple ownership changes and encountered various incidents throughout its operational life. In 1865, the vessel was remeasured to 424 tons and was later owned by Bradley of Chicago, IL in 1866.
In July 1874, while carrying 30,000 bushels of corn, the vessel sank 25 miles NNW of Fairport, OH, but was subsequently raised a year later in July 1875. Ownership changed hands again to H. Hawgood of Milwaukee in 1879, and the ship continued to sail after undergoing repairs.
The CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE’s history is marked by numerous challenges, including collisions, leaks, and groundings. Notably, in 1883, the vessel collided with the GOLDEN FLEECE in Lake Huron. Later, in 1889, it sprung a leak and docked in Detroit, MI for repairs. In 1898, the ship ran ashore near Cheboygan, MI during a snowstorm.
Tragically, on November 21, 1900, the CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE met its final fate on Niagara Reef in Lake Erie while carrying iron ore. The ship struck the reef during a gale and subsequently broke apart. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the steamer J.K. SECOR, but the vessel was lost, ending its long and eventful career on the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE was wrecked on Niagara Reef in Lake Erie on November 21, 1900. The vessel broke apart after striking the reef during a gale, marking the end of its service. The wreck now lies in 30 feet of water, a testament to the ship’s enduring legacy in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE. However, the site’s location on Niagara Reef is known, making it a potential point of interest for divers and maritime historians.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The specific details of when the wreck was located are not documented. The site is near Niagara Reef, Lake Erie, where the vessel was last reported before its final demise.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck lies in 30 feet of water on Niagara Reef, making it accessible for divers. The CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE’s remains are scattered and deteriorated but still offer a glimpse into the ship’s robust construction and the circumstances of its sinking.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Erie Wrecks
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #Barkentine
- #Schooner
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
Conclusion: #
The CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE’s long and varied career on the Great Lakes culminated in a tragic wreck on Niagara Reef in 1900. The ship’s history is rich with tales of resilience, from its construction in 1863 to its final voyage. Today, the wreck serves as a reminder of the perils faced by ships navigating these waters and stands as a significant site for those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
