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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”a-c-van-raalte-1850″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
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.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A.C. Van Raalte
- Former Names: None
- Official Number: Not available
- Date Built and Launched: 1850
- Measurements:
- Length: Not specified
- Beam: Not specified
- Depth: Not specified
- Gross Tonnage: Not specified
- Date Lost: March 1860
- Cause: Crushed by ice during spring breakup
- Cargo at Time of Loss: None
- Place of Loss: East Bay, Lake Michigan, near Holland, Michigan(Calvin University, Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, michiganshipwrecks.org)
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)
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.
Located By & Date Found
There is no available information indicating that the wreck of the A.C. Van Raalte has been located or identified in modern times.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no current navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck site of the A.C. Van Raalte.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
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.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: A.C. Van Raalte, Lake Michigan shipwreck, schooner, 1860 ice damage, Holland Michigan
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime Disasters, Wooden Schooners
- Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically used for transporting bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes.
- Spring Breakup: The period during which ice covering a body of water melts and breaks apart, often leading to hazardous conditions for vessels.
- East Bay: A bay located near Holland, Michigan, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.
Note: If you require information on other shipwrecks or maritime history topics, feel free to ask.
a-c-van-raalte-1850 1860-03-19 01:08:00