. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The HENRY CHISHOLM was a wooden bulk freight propeller built in 1880 by Thomas Quayle in Cleveland, Ohio. Measuring 256.5 feet (78.2 meters) in length, with a beam of 39.3 feet (12.0 meters) and a depth of 20.3 feet (6.2 meters), the vessel had a gross tonnage of 1,775.37 tons and a net tonnage of 1,332.18 tons. The ship was designed for the transportation of bulk cargoes such as grain and iron ore between Lake Erie and Lake Superior. It was equipped to tow barges, making it an integral part of the Bradley Transportation Company’s operations on the Great Lakes.
3. HISTORY #
The HENRY CHISHOLM served as a critical link in the Great Lakes shipping industry, particularly in the grain and iron ore trade. Initially owned by Alva Bradley of Cleveland, the vessel was part of the fleet operated by the Bradley Transportation Company. Throughout its service life, it towed numerous barges, including AHIRA COBB, CITY OF CLEVELAND, ALVAH BRADLEY, and others, playing a significant role in the region’s commerce.
The vessel experienced several significant incidents during its operational life. In August 1896, the HENRY CHISHOLM suffered heavy damage in a collision with the propeller OCEANICA in the Detroit River. Despite this, the ship was repaired and continued its service.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
On October 20, 1898, the HENRY CHISHOLM encountered a violent storm while navigating Lake Superior. The storm threw the vessel onto the Rock of Ages Reef near Isle Royale. The impact caused severe damage to the ship, and by November 12, 1898, the vessel had broken apart. The crew miraculously survived by escaping to shore using the vessel’s lifeboats.
The tragedy was compounded by the fact that the HENRY CHISHOLM was searching for its consort, the JOHN MARTIN, which had been lost three days earlier in the same storm. Both vessels were owned by M.A. Bradley of Cleveland, marking a significant loss for the company.
The HENRY CHISHOLM’s final resting place became the Rock of Ages Reef, where its wreckage remains scattered, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the HENRY CHISHOLM. However, the location near Isle Royale is known for hazardous waters and should be approached with caution.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the HENRY CHISHOLM lies at a depth of approximately 150 feet (45.7 meters) near Rock of Ages Reef at the coordinates 47.857993°N, 89.324282°W. The site is within the waters of Isle Royale National Park, making it a protected area with specific guidelines for divers and researchers.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the HENRY CHISHOLM is located in deep water near Rock of Ages Reef. Due to its depth of 150 feet (45.7 meters), it is accessible to experienced divers with proper equipment. The cold, fresh waters of Lake Superior have helped preserve the wooden structure, but the wreck is scattered and broken due to the impact and subsequent deterioration.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
- National Park Service: Website
- Superior Trips: Website
- 3D Shipwrecks: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The HENRY CHISHOLM’s story is one of both triumph and tragedy. The vessel played a vital role in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, contributing to the region’s economic growth. Its loss, along with the JOHN MARTIN, highlights the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of Great Lakes shipping, particularly during the fall storm season. The wreck serves as an important historical site, offering insights into the challenges faced by mariners during this period.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of the HENRY CHISHOLM lies in 150 feet (45.7 meters) of water, making it a site suitable for advanced divers. The cold water and depth require proper training, equipment, and adherence to safety protocols. Divers should also be aware of the environmental protections in place due to the site’s location within Isle Royale National Park. As always, respect for the wreck and its historical significance is paramount.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Wooden Freighter
- Isle Royale
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The bulk freighter HENRY CHISHOLM, built in 1880 and lost in 1898, stands as a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history. Its service in the grain and iron ore trade, coupled with its tragic end on the Rock of Ages Reef, underscores the perilous nature of shipping on the Great Lakes. The wreck remains a symbol of the challenges faced by those who navigated these waters and serves as an enduring testament to the resilience of the Great Lakes maritime community.
