Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Butcher's Maid
- Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: S. Neff, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length: 80 ft (24.4 m); Beam: 17 ft (5.2 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 129 tons; Net: 75 tons
- Location: Near Porphyry Point, North Shore of Lake Superior
- Official Number: C71223
- Original Owners: Various Canadian owners
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Butcher’s Maid, originally constructed as the KAMINISTIQUIA, was a wooden propeller-driven vessel built for versatility in passenger and freight service. Over its life, the ship underwent several rebuilds and name changes, reflecting the adaptability and frequent repurposing of vessels on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
Description
The vessel was launched as the KAMINISTIQUIA in 1871 by S. Neff in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Initially serving as a passenger and package freight steamer, it underwent multiple transformations:
- 1873: Renamed JESSIE OLIVER.
- 1875: Renamed ALBERT NEFF.
- 1885: Rebuilt and renamed Butcher’s Maid (official number C71223).
History
Canadian Service
In 1872, the vessel was sold to Canadian owners, where it was utilized as a commissary boat during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It primarily operated as a passenger and freight vessel between Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) and various points along Lake Superior’s north shore.
Significant Incidents
Final Voyage and Wreck
On October 20, 1886, the Butcher’s Maid was caught in a severe storm near Porphyry Point on Lake Superior’s north shore. The storm drove the vessel ashore, where it broke apart under the pounding waves. Despite the destruction, all crew members survived. The vessel was carrying a cargo of quarry stone at the time and was valued at $6,000, with no insurance coverage, leading to a significant financial loss.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Butcher’s Maid was declared a total loss after being driven ashore and broken apart during the storm. The vessel and its cargo of quarry stone were unrecoverable.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current state of the wreck is undocumented, but given the violent nature of the wreck and subsequent deterioration, it is likely in poor condition. Its exact location and accessibility remain unknown, though it is presumed near Porphyry Point on Lake Superior.
NOTMARs & Advisories
- Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the Butcher’s Maid.
- Advisories: Mariners near Porphyry Point should exercise general caution due to historical wreck sites in the area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”butchers-maid-kaministiquia-jessie-oliver-albert-neff-c-71223″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Butcher’s Maid, originally launched as the KAMINISTIQUIA in 1871, played an important role in the economic and transportation history of Lake Superior before its tragic end in 1886. Its history of name changes and roles demonstrates the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels in response to shifting demands. The storm-driven wreck near Porphyry Point remains a testament to the risks faced by mariners on these vast and treacherous waters. Despite its loss, the Butcher’s Maid contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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