Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Armada
- Type: Schooner (converted to barge)
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder: Asa Wilcox, Sackett’s Harbor, New York
- Dimensions: Unknown; registered at 176 gross tons, 235 overall measurement
- Registered Tonnage: 176 gross tons
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Not recorded
- Official Number: 364
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Armada was originally constructed as a schooner in 1847 by Asa Wilcox of Sackett’s Harbor, New York. In 1858, it was rebuilt and converted into a wooden barge, extending its service life during a transitional period when steam tugs increasingly dominated Great Lakes trade. As a barge, the vessel’s role shifted from independent sailing to towed bulk cargo carrier, likely hauling lumber, coal, or grain.
Description
The Armada served as a schooner for its first decade before being rebuilt in 1858. Its conversion reflected a common practice of the era, keeping older wooden hulls in commercial service by adapting them for barge work. By the 1860s, she was operating primarily as a towed vessel out of Chicago.
In May 1869, the Armada broke loose from a tow on Lake Michigan and wrecked. Salvage efforts allowed her to return to service. However, just months later in September 1869, she again parted from her tow during a storm on Lake Michigan. This time the vessel was lost completely, marking the end of her service. Specific details of her final voyage—including cargo and crew—remain unknown.
History
The Armada was lost in September 1869 after breaking free from her tow during a Lake Michigan storm. The vessel was declared a total loss. No confirmed casualties were reported.
Significant Incidents
- May 1869: Broke loose from a tow and wrecked, but was salvaged and returned to service.
- September 1869: Broke loose from tow during a storm and was lost completely.
Final Disposition
The Armada was lost in September 1869 after breaking free from her tow during a Lake Michigan storm. The vessel was declared a total loss. No confirmed casualties were reported.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: Total loss, wreck location unknown.
Accessibility: Not accessible.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”armada-us-364″ title=”References & Links”]
The Armada illustrates the adaptive practices of Great Lakes shipping in the mid-19th century, when schooners were often converted into barges to extend their working lives. Despite salvage after a May 1869 wreck, the barge was lost permanently in September that year. The vessel’s disappearance into the unrecorded depths of Lake Michigan leaves her among the many undocumented barge wrecks of the era.
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
Former Names: None reported
Official Number: 364
Registry: United States (last registered 1866, Chicago, Illinois)
Vessel Type: Originally Schooner; later converted Wooden Barge
Hull Material: Wood
Builder: Asa Wilcox, Sackett’s Harbor, New York
Year Built: 1847
Rebuilds: 1858 (conversion to barge)
Dimensions: Unknown; registered at 176 gross tons, 235 overall measurement
Cargo on Final Voyage: Unknown
Date of Loss: September 1869
Location: Lake Michigan (exact location unknown)
Coordinates: Not recorded
Depth: Unknown
Crew: Unknown
Casualties: None reported
Description
The Armada was originally constructed as a schooner in 1847 by Asa Wilcox of Sackett’s Harbor, New York. In 1858, it was rebuilt and converted into a wooden barge, extending its service life during a transitional period when steam tugs increasingly dominated Great Lakes trade. As a barge, the vessel’s role shifted from independent sailing to towed bulk cargo carrier, likely hauling lumber, coal, or grain.
History
The Armada served as a schooner for its first decade before being rebuilt in 1858. Its conversion reflected a common practice of the era, keeping older wooden hulls in commercial service by adapting them for barge work. By the 1860s, she was operating primarily as a towed vessel out of Chicago.
In May 1869, the Armada broke loose from a tow on Lake Michigan and wrecked. Salvage efforts allowed her to return to service. However, just months later in September 1869, she again parted from her tow during a storm on Lake Michigan. This time the vessel was lost completely, marking the end of her service. Specific details of her final voyage—including cargo and crew—remain unknown.
Final Disposition
The Armada was lost in September 1869 after breaking free from her tow during a Lake Michigan storm. The vessel was declared a total loss. No confirmed casualties were reported.
Located By & Date Found
Unlocated. No wreck discovery or survey has been reported.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted. No navigational hazards recorded.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: Total loss, wreck location unknown.
Accessibility: Not accessible.
Conclusion
The Armada illustrates the adaptive practices of Great Lakes shipping in the mid-19th century, when schooners were often converted into barges to extend their working lives. Despite salvage after a May 1869 wreck, the barge was lost permanently in September that year. The vessel’s disappearance into the unrecorded depths of Lake Michigan leaves her among the many undocumented barge wrecks of the era.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU)
- David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None
Official Number: 364
Coordinates: Unknown (Lake Michigan)
Depth: Unknown
Location Description: Lost on Lake Michigan, September 1869
Vessel Type: Schooner (converted to barge)
Material: Wood
Dimensions: Registered at 176 gross tons; overall 235 tons
Condition: Lost, not located
Cause of Loss: Broke loose from tow during storm
Discovery Date: Not applicable
Discovered By: N/A
Method: N/A
Legal Notes: Last registry 1866, Chicago, Illinois
Hazards: None
Permits Required: None