Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

A.C. Van Raalte (1850)

Explore the wreck of the A.C. Van Raalte, a wooden schooner lost to ice in Lake Michigan in 1860. A reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: A.C. Van Raalte
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1850
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: East Bay, near Holland, Michigan
  • Official Number: Not available

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden schooner (michiganshipwrecks.org)

Description

The A.C. Van Raalte was a wooden schooner constructed in 1850, likely serving the burgeoning Dutch-American community in Holland, Michigan. Named after Reverend Albertus C. Van Raalte, a prominent figure in the establishment of the Holland colony, the vessel would have been integral to transporting goods and passengers across Lake Michigan. Specific details regarding her dimensions and construction are not readily available. (Second Wave Michigan)

History

In March 1860, as winter gave way to spring, the A.C. Van Raalte was anchored in East Bay near Holland, Michigan. The onset of the spring thaw led to the movement of large ice floes within the bay. Trapped in 16-inch-thick ice, the schooner was slowly crushed to pieces under the immense pressure. Captain O. Evans, who was in command at the time, reported that the vessel was a total loss except for the rigging. (Hope College Digital Commons)

Significant Incidents

  • March 1860: The A.C. Van Raalte was crushed by ice during spring breakup, leading to its total loss.

Final Disposition

The A.C. Van Raalte was declared a total loss due to the crushing ice. There are no records indicating that any part of the vessel was salvaged or that the wreck was recovered.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There is no available information indicating that the wreck of the A.C. Van Raalte has been located or identified in modern times.

Resources & Links

The loss of the A.C. Van Raalte underscores the hazards faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly the dangers posed by ice during seasonal transitions. The incident also highlights the challenges of maritime navigation and the risks undertaken by those who relied on these vessels for transportation and commerce.