Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: A. Buckingham (Alvin Buckingham)
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder: A. Gilmore, Perrysburg, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 125 ft (38.1 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth: 10 ft (3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 205.41 (pre-list)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 6 m / 20 ft
• Location: Approximately 15 miles above Harrisville, Michigan, Lake Huron
• Official Number: 386
• Original Owners: Cleveland, Ohio
• Number of Masts: Two or more masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Alvin Buckingham was a wooden-hulled schooner, a typical Great Lakes cargo vessel of the mid-19th century. These schooners were designed with two or more masts and rigged to maximize wind efficiency, allowing for swift transport of goods like iron ore, coal, and lumber. The vessel’s moderate size and shallow draft were well-suited to navigate the sometimes hazardous and shallow waters of the Great Lakes, where storms and changing weather could quickly turn a routine journey into a perilous one.

Description

Built in 1853 by A. Gilmore in Perrysburg, Ohio, the Alvin Buckingham was a key player in the busy maritime commerce on the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Huron. Registered in Cleveland, Ohio, the schooner transported various cargos across the lake, contributing to the economic boom of the surrounding regions during the mid-19th century. On October 15, 1870, while en route on Lake Huron, approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) above Harrisville, Michigan, the vessel encountered a severe storm. The heavy seas caused the ship to spring a leak, and despite the crew’s desperate attempts to reach the shore, the vessel foundered and sank in 20 feet (6 meters) of water. The crew managed to escape in a yawl boat and were later rescued by the tug Sandusky. The Alvin Buckingham was considered a total loss, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.

History

After the vessel sank, it was left undisturbed for several years. Later, salvage operations conducted by the steam wrecking barge Monitor recovered some of the iron ore from the wreck and other nearby wrecks in the area. The wreck of the Alvin Buckingham was eventually located approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) below Black River Island on Black River Reef. Despite these efforts, the vessel itself was not raised, and it remained on the lakebed, where it continues to rest today.

Significant Incidents

• October 15, 1870: The Alvin Buckingham sank during a severe storm on Lake Huron, approximately 15 miles above Harrisville, Michigan.

Final Disposition

The wreck was located during salvage operations conducted by the steam wrecking barge Monitor. The exact date of the wreck’s discovery is not well-documented, but it was found near Black River Island, an area known for several wreck sites.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Alvin Buckingham. However, the area near Black River Reef is known for hazardous navigation due to multiple wrecks and shallow waters. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution, especially during periods of low visibility.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Alvin Buckingham represents one of the many maritime tragedies of the Great Lakes, where the forces of nature often overcame even the most robust vessels. Although not as famous as some other shipwrecks, it serves as a reminder of the perils faced by mariners in the 19th century. The wreck remains a part of Lake Huron’s underwater heritage, offering insights into the region’s rich maritime history.