Identification & Site Information

• Name: Yankee
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: None
• Vessel Type at Loss: Scow-Schooner, wood, 2-mast
• Builder: Unknown, built in Toledo, Ohio
• Year Built & Launched: 1853
• Specifications: 79 ft (24 m) x 19 ft (5.8 m) x 7 ft (2.1 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 91 t
• Date Lost: October 25, 1856
• Location of Loss: At Chicago, Lake Michigan
• Cause of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None (10 crew survived)
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber

Vessel Description & History

The Yankee was a small, wooden, two-masted scow-Schooner built in 1853 in Toledo, Ohio. Scow-schooners were a common vessel type on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century, characterized by their flat bottoms, which allowed them to navigate shallow waters and beach themselves for easy loading and unloading. These vessels were essential for the lumber trade, often transporting timber from the northern Great Lakes to rapidly growing cities like Chicago and Milwaukee.

The Yankee was a modestly sized vessel at just under 80 feet long and 91 tons. Though small, she was typical of the workhorse schooners of her time, frequently making short voyages with heavy loads of lumber.

Final Disposition

On October 25, 1856, the Yankee was attempting to enter Chicago Harbor during a storm. Navigational challenges in early Chicago were significant, as the harbor entrance was narrow and often affected by shifting sandbars. Unable to safely enter, the crew dropped anchor in the shallows nearby.

Unfortunately, the rough waters quickly proved too much. One of the ship’s anchor cables parted, and the second anchor failed to hold against the force of the storm. The Yankee was driven onto the Breakwater, where she began to break apart under the pounding waves. Fortunately, all ten crew members managed to escape to the Breakwater and were later rescued by a rowboat from shore.

The Yankee was a Total Loss, her remains scattered by the storm and presumably washed away or buried under the shifting sands of Chicago’s shoreline.

Located By & Date Found

No known wreckage remains, as the vessel was destroyed against the Breakwater.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No known modern navigational hazards related to this vessel exist.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Wisconsin Historical Society: https://www.wisconsinhistory.org

Conclusion

The Yankee was one of many scow-schooners that met their end in the unpredictable storms of the Great Lakes. Her loss highlights the challenges faced by early mariners, particularly in Chicago, where harbor access was difficult before significant improvements were made. Although no physical remains of the Yankee are known to exist today, her story is a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes sailors in the mid-19th century.