Atlanta 1873

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ATLANTA
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Goble & McFarlane
• Dimensions: Length: 142 ft (43.3 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 318 tons
• Location: Likely Point Au Sable, Lake Huron
• Original Owners: Thomas S. Mott

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ATLANTA was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common type of vessel used for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners like the ATLANTA were favored for their ability to efficiently move large loads of goods such as grain, coal, and lumber across the lakes’ expansive waters. With its moderate size and capacity, the ATLANTA was well-suited for its role in the grain trade.

Description

The ATLANTA was launched in 1873, joining the bustling trade routes that connected major ports along the Great Lakes. Owned by Thomas S. Mott of Oswego, New York, and commanded by Captain Samuel Morran(d), the vessel was primarily engaged in transporting bulk goods such as wheat.

History

During its final voyage, the ATLANTA sailed alongside the schooner FAVORITE, both heading for Oswego. The vessels separated after passing Thunder Bay Island on Lake Huron. Later that day, fishermen at Point Au Sable reported seeing a white-painted schooner disappear into a squall. This description matched the ATLANTA.

Despite initial speculation that the ATLANTA may have made it to Lake Erie, reports suggest it likely foundered or capsized in Lake Huron during the storm. Tragically, all 6 or 7 crew members aboard perished.

Significant Incidents

• Incident Date: November 11, 1874
• Cause of Loss: Foundering or capsizing during a storm
• Crew Loss: All 6–7 crew members lost
• Cargo: 18,000 bushels of wheat (total loss)

Final Disposition

The ATLANTA was presumed to have sunk after being overwhelmed by rough weather. The squall observed by local fishermen was the last known sighting of the vessel. There is no confirmed discovery of the wreck, and its exact location remains unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ATLANTA has not been discovered, and its condition is unknown. Given the length of time since its sinking and its wooden construction, any remains are likely heavily deteriorated or buried in sediment.

Resources & Links

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The ATLANTA’s loss in November 1874 highlights the perilous nature of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite the advances in shipbuilding and navigation of the time, vessels like the ATLANTA were often at the mercy of sudden and severe storms. The tragedy underscores the risks faced by sailors and the challenges of transporting goods across these inland seas. The ATLANTA remains an enduring mystery, with its exact location yet to be confirmed. Its story, however, is a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Huron and the Great Lakes region.