Barbarian – Lake Michigan Schooner Shipwreck (1898)

Explore the wreck of the Barbarian, a schooner lost in a storm in 1898 while carrying railroad ties on Lake Michigan.

wrecked 8 sources on file
WaterbodyLake Michigan
Loss year1898
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Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Barbarian
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1855
  • Builder: Not specified
  • Dimensions: Not specified
  • Registered Tonnage: Not specified
  • Location: Just outside the harbour
  • Coordinates: Not specified
  • Official Number: Not specified
  • Original Owners: Not specified
  • Number of Masts: Two or more

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Barbarian was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting bulk cargo such as lumber, coal, and railroad ties. Schooners were favored for their speed and maneuverability, especially in the variable conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

Specific details regarding the Barbarian‘s construction, dimensions, and tonnage are not documented in the available records. However, as a schooner built in 1855, she would have been constructed with a wooden hull and rigged with two or more masts, designed for efficient cargo transport across the Great Lakes.

History

On October 25, 1898, the Barbarian was anchored just outside the harbour, attempting to ride out a storm while carrying a cargo of 4,500 railroad ties. Despite efforts to weather the storm, the vessel’s stern was compromised, leading to her sinking. Details about the specific location of the incident, the fate of the crew, and subsequent salvage operations are not documented in the available sources.

Significant Incidents

  • The Barbarian sank on October 25, 1898, during a storm while anchored outside the harbour.

Final Disposition

The Barbarian was declared a total loss after sinking during the storm. Information regarding salvage efforts or the current state of the wreck is not available in the existing records.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Barbarian has been located or surveyed.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”barbarian-1855″ title=”References & Links”]

The Barbarian‘s loss in 1898 highlights the perils faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes, particularly when attempting to ride out severe storms while anchored. While specific details about her operations and final voyage are scarce, the incident contributes to the broader narrative of maritime history in the region.

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Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.

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