IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Charles P. Minch was a wooden schooner designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1867, this three-masted vessel had a sturdy build typical of the era, intended to carry heavy loads like lumber and stone across the often-turbulent waters of the lakes. The schooner had a single deck and was equipped with a centerboard, which it lost during one of its many voyages. The vessel’s design reflected the needs of the lumber and stone trade, with its large cargo capacity and robust structure.
HISTORY #
The Charles P. Minch had a rich and varied history during its 31 years of service on the Great Lakes. Built by Isaac W. Nicholas in Vermillion, Ohio, for Philip Minch of Cleveland, Ohio, the schooner was launched in 1867. Over the years, the vessel changed ownership multiple times, with notable owners including Gilchrist of Vermillion and C.W. Elphicke of Chicago.
Throughout its career, the Charles P. Minch experienced several incidents, reflecting the challenging conditions faced by schooners on the Great Lakes. In 1893, the vessel ran ashore near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior, while carrying a cargo of stone. It required temporary repairs at Sault Ste. Marie before undergoing significant repairs in Superior, Wisconsin. The schooner continued to encounter difficulties, including grounding on Grand Island in 1895 and losing its centerboard in heavy weather on Lake Michigan in 1896.
Despite these challenges, the Charles P. Minch continued to serve as a reliable cargo carrier until its tragic demise on October 27, 1898. While en route to Chicago with a load of lumber, the schooner was driven ashore at Tecumseh Cove on Cove Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, where it was wrecked. The event marked the end of the vessel’s long service on the lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Charles P. Minch was wrecked on October 27, 1898, at Tecumseh Cove on Cove Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The vessel was carrying a cargo of lumber at the time, and the strong winds and rough seas drove the schooner ashore, where it broke apart and was declared a total loss. The wreck now lies submerged in the waters off Cove Island, a testament to the perils of Great Lakes navigation.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Charles P. Minch is located at Tecumseh Cove on Cove Island, near Tobermory in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The site has been known for many years and is a popular spot for divers exploring the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Obstruction: The wreck of the Charles P. Minch lies in shallow waters ranging from 20 to 60 feet deep, making it accessible to divers but potentially hazardous to small craft navigation. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area around Tecumseh Cove.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Maritime History: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Vessels
- 3D Shipwrecks: 3D Shipwrecks (No specific listing for Charles P. Minch found)
- Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Ships Database: BGSU Great Lakes Vessels
- Newspaper Archives: Search for articles related to the Charles P. Minch’s wreck and other incidents on the Great Lakes at Maritime History of the Great Lakes.
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the Charles P. Minch serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Despite its robust construction and long service history, the vessel met its end in the treacherous waters of Georgian Bay. Today, the wreck is a valuable historical site, offering insights into the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS #
- Charles P. Minch, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Cove Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Schooner, Timber Trade, Maritime History, Great Lakes Vessels, Shipwreck Diving.
This report provides a detailed overview of the Charles P. Minch, from its construction and service history to its final resting place in Georgian Bay. The site continues to attract interest from divers and historians alike, preserving the legacy of this Great Lakes schooner.
