Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C.H. JOHNSON
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1870
- Builder: Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 137.2 ft (41.8 m); Width: 26.1 ft (7.96 m); Depth: 12.0 ft (3.66 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 332.47 tons; Net: 315.85 tons
- Location: Near Gros Cap
- Original Owners: Capt. Henderson
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The C.H. JOHNSON was a schooner designed for carrying bulk cargoes such as stone, a common load for vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. With a robust construction typical of its era, the schooner had significant carrying capacity and operated efficiently in the demanding conditions of Great Lakes shipping.
Description
Built in 1870 in Marine City, Michigan, the C.H. JOHNSON was registered in Cleveland, Ohio, and served primarily as a cargo schooner on the Great Lakes. Owned by Capt. Henderson, the vessel was employed in transporting materials such as stone and other bulk goods.
History
On September 23, 1895, while en route with a load of stone, the C.H. JOHNSON struck a rock near Gros Cap in the early hours of the morning. The collision caused the vessel to break apart. Despite the significant damage, all crew members were safely rescued, avoiding loss of life. The schooner was valued at $4,000 at the time of its loss.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Incident: September 23, 1895
- Location: Near Gros Cap
- Time: Approximately 2:00 a.m.
- Cause: Struck a rock
- Final Disposition: Vessel broke apart
- Casualties: None; all crew members were rescued.
Final Disposition
The C.H. JOHNSON broke apart upon striking the rock and was a total loss. While its exact final resting place near Gros Cap remains significant in maritime history, there are no records of salvage or recovery of the vessel.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the C.H. JOHNSON is a reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century. Divers are encouraged to document the site using no-touch methods, respecting the historical significance of the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-a-johnson” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The loss of the C.H. JOHNSON serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century. Though the schooner was a total loss, the survival of her crew underscores the resilience of those who operated these vessels. The C.H. JOHNSON remains a part of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the challenges and dangers of early cargo shipping.
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.
Wreck Report: Schooner C.H. JOHNSON
Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: C.H. JOHNSON
- Vessel Type: Schooner
- Date Built: 1870
- Place Built: Marine City, Michigan
- Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio
- Owner: Capt. Henderson
- Tonnage:
- Gross: 332.47 tons
- Net: 315.85 tons
- Dimensions:
- Length: 137.2 feet (41.8 meters)
- Width: 26.1 feet (7.96 meters)
- Depth: 12.0 feet (3.66 meters)
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Stone
- Valuation: $4,000
- Incident Summary
- Date of Incident: September 23, 1895
- Location: Near Gros Cap
- Time: Approximately 2:00 a.m.
- Cause: Struck a rock
- Final Disposition: Vessel broke apart
- Casualties: None; all crew members were rescued.
Vessel Type Description
The C.H. JOHNSON was a schooner designed for carrying bulk cargoes such as stone, a common load for vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. With a robust construction typical of its era, the schooner had significant carrying capacity and operated efficiently in the demanding conditions of Great Lakes shipping.
History
Built in 1870 in Marine City, Michigan, the C.H. JOHNSON was registered in Cleveland, Ohio, and served primarily as a cargo schooner on the Great Lakes. Owned by Capt. Henderson, the vessel was employed in transporting materials such as stone and other bulk goods.
On September 23, 1895, while en route with a load of stone, the C.H. JOHNSON struck a rock near Gros Cap in the early hours of the morning. The collision caused the vessel to break apart. Despite the significant damage, all crew members were safely rescued, avoiding loss of life. The schooner was valued at $4,000 at the time of its loss.
Final Disposition
The C.H. JOHNSON broke apart upon striking the rock and was a total loss. While its exact final resting place near Gros Cap remains significant in maritime history, there are no records of salvage or recovery of the vessel.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Database: Great Lakes Ships
Conclusion
The loss of the C.H. JOHNSON serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century. Though the schooner was a total loss, the survival of her crew underscores the resilience of those who operated these vessels. The C.H. JOHNSON remains a part of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the challenges and dangers of early cargo shipping.
Keywords Great Lakes schooner Gros Cap wreck 19th-century shipping loss Stone cargo vessel Maritime history
ch-johnson-1870 1895-09-23 07:53:00