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.

History of the ATHENIAN

Construction and Specifications

• Type: Schooner-barge
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder: S.C. Jones
• Location of Build: Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 136.1 feet (41.5 meters)
  • Beam: 26.2 feet (8.0 meters)
  • Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
  • Tonnage: 283 tons
• Initial Enrollment: Buffalo, New York; later Oswego, New York, and Chicago, Illinois.

Early Career

The ATHENIAN began its service in 1856, contributing to the bustling maritime trade on the Great Lakes. The vessel carried bulk goods, including lumber, a critical commodity for the developing industries and settlements around the lakes.

In 1866, the ATHENIAN underwent significant rebuilding to extend its service life, reflecting its ongoing utility in the cargo trade.

Final Voyage

• Date of Incident: April 17, 1880
• Location: Off Au Sable, Michigan, Lake Huron
• Owner at the Time: Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co.
• Cargo: Lumber

The ATHENIAN met its fate during a storm after loading lumber at Oscoda, Michigan. While still tied to the dock, the vessel was battered by a strong gale, which caused severe damage as it was repeatedly slammed against the dock. Falling piles of lumber from the dock further compromised the ship’s structural integrity.

The storm ultimately drove the ATHENIAN ashore, where it was reported as a total loss. Despite the vessel’s destruction, there were no reported casualties among the crew.

Historical Notes

• Ownership: By the time of its loss, the ATHENIAN was owned by Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co., reflecting its role in the timber industry, a cornerstone of the Great Lakes economy during the 19th century.
• Possible Connection: It is suggested that this ATHENIAN may be the same vessel previously wrecked in Waiska Bay, Lake Superior, in 1873 and later recovered in 1874.
• Significance: The vessel’s loss underscores the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners, particularly those operating in the timber trade, where ships were often heavily laden and exposed to the unpredictable weather of the lakes.

Legacy

The ATHENIAN’s career and tragic end highlight the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century, especially for vessels engaged in the demanding lumber trade. The ship’s history serves as a testament to the resilience of those who operated on these inland seas and the importance of maritime commerce in shaping the region’s economy.

Resources and Links

• Great Lakes Ships
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

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