Bigler (J. Bigler, John Bigler)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: BIGLER (also known as J. BIGLER, JOHN BIGLER)
• Type: Wooden-Hulled Schooner
• Year Built: 1866
• Builder: James Madison Jones
• Dimensions: Length: 144 ft (43.9 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 344 tons; Net: 327 tons
• Location: Approximately 10 miles north of Huron Islands, Lake Superior
• Coordinates: Not available
• Original Owners: A. Currier of Detroit, George C. Finney of Chicago

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The BIGLER was a classic wooden-hulled schooner, well-suited for the demands of mid-19th-century Great Lakes shipping. With its sizable dimensions and cargo capacity, it primarily transported timber, stone, and other bulk goods. The schooner’s design was robust enough to endure the variable and often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

The BIGLER was a wooden-hulled schooner built in 1866, enrolled in Detroit, and became a vital player in the Great Lakes’ bustling cargo trade. It was integral in transporting essential goods like timber and stone, contributing to the economic growth of the region.

History

Ownership changes during its service were common, with notable owners including A. Currier of Detroit and George C. Finney of Chicago. The vessel encountered severe weather on Lake Huron in 1881, resulting in leaks and grounding. It was towed to Port Huron for repairs, including hull patching and caulking, which restored its seaworthiness.

Significant Incidents

• 1881: Encountered severe weather on Lake Huron, resulting in leaks and grounding. It was towed to Port Huron for repairs, including hull patching and caulking, which restored its seaworthiness.
• September 3, 1884: The BIGLER’s career ended in tragedy when a storm on Lake Superior proved too powerful. Approximately 10 miles north of the Huron Islands, the vessel foundered while carrying a cargo of stone. The schooner was valued at $10,000, with the cargo valued at $3,500. Fortunately, all crew members survived.

Final Disposition

The BIGLER was declared a total loss after the storm. Its hull and cargo were insured for $11,500. The wreck’s location remains undiscovered, and no specific exploration has taken place.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the wooden construction and over a century of submersion, the wreck is likely heavily deteriorated and buried under sediment. Without precise coordinates, diving or exploration is not currently feasible.

Resources & Links

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The schooner BIGLER, known also as J. BIGLER and JOHN BIGLER, was a significant part of Great Lakes commerce during its 18-year career. Its loss in 1884 highlights the ever-present risks faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes. While the wreck remains undiscovered, the BIGLER’s story endures as a testament to the industrious spirit and challenges of 19th-century maritime trade.