Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Belle Stevens
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1861
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Official Number: Not available
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Belle Stevens was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and maneuverability, making them ideal for transporting bulk goods such as lumber, grain, and other commodities across the lakes.
Description
Built in 1861, the Belle Stevens was designed for the lumber trade, a significant industry in the Great Lakes region during that era. While specific dimensions and tonnage are not available, schooners of this type typically ranged from 60 to 150 feet (18 to 46 meters) in length and were constructed to handle the challenging conditions of the lakes.
History
On November 1, 1890, the Belle Stevens was navigating Lake Michigan with a cargo of lumber and shingles. During a severe gale, the vessel went ashore and broke up, resulting in a total loss. Details regarding the crew and any potential casualties are not specified in the available records. The incident underscores the perils faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes, where sudden and intense storms could quickly overwhelm vessels.
Significant Incidents
- November 1, 1890: The Belle Stevens went ashore during a gale and broke up, resulting in a total loss.
Final Disposition
Following the incident, the Belle Stevens was declared a total loss. There is no available information regarding salvage operations or the current state of the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Belle Stevens has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”belle-stevens-1861″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Belle Stevens in 1890 highlights the challenges faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, vessels remained vulnerable to the region’s unpredictable and often severe weather conditions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continued vigilance and respect for the power of nature in maritime activities.
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.
- Name: Belle Stevens
- Former Names: None reported
- Official Registration Number: Not available
- Date Built & Launched: 1861
- Builder: Not specified
- Construction: Wooden-hulled schooner
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Tonnage: Not specified
- Date Lost: November 1, 1890
- Location of Loss: Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber and shingles
- Cause of Loss: Went ashore during a gale and broke up
- Crew: Not specified
- Final Disposition: Total loss
- Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified
- Sources: Great Lakes Shipwreck Files(Milwaukee Public Library, Flickr, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Wisconsin Shipwrecks)
Vessel Type
The Belle Stevens was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and maneuverability, making them ideal for transporting bulk goods such as lumber, grain, and other commodities across the lakes.
Description(Alamy)
Built in 1861, the Belle Stevens was designed for the lumber trade, a significant industry in the Great Lakes region during that era. While specific dimensions and tonnage are not available, schooners of this type typically ranged from 60 to 150 feet (18 to 46 meters) in length and were constructed to handle the challenging conditions of the lakes.(history.uscg.mil)
History(Flickr)
On November 1, 1890, the Belle Stevens was navigating Lake Michigan with a cargo of lumber and shingles. During a severe gale, the vessel went ashore and broke up, resulting in a total loss. Details regarding the crew and any potential casualties are not specified in the available records. The incident underscores the perils faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes, where sudden and intense storms could quickly overwhelm vessels.
Final Disposition
Following the incident, the Belle Stevens was declared a total loss. There is no available information regarding salvage operations or the current state of the wreck.
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Belle Stevens has been located or surveyed.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Belle Stevens. Mariners operating in the vicinity of the presumed wreck site should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.
Resources & Links
Conclusion(Alamy)
The loss of the Belle Stevens in 1890 highlights the challenges faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, vessels remained vulnerable to the region’s unpredictable and often severe weather conditions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continued vigilance and respect for the power of nature in maritime activities.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Belle Stevens, schooner, Lake Michigan shipwreck, 1890 gale, lumber cargo
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Schooners, Maritime Disasters
Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, used extensively on the Great Lakes for cargo transport.
- Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots (39–46 mph or 63–74 km/h).
- Went Ashore: A term indicating that a vessel has run aground or been driven onto the shore.
- Total Loss: A term indicating that a vessel is damaged beyond repair or recovery.
Shore Dive Information(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Given that the Belle Stevens‘ wreck has not been located and is presumed to have deteriorated over time, there is no shore dive information available for this site.
belle-stevens-1861 1890-11-01 12:59:00