Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C. H. Walker
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: Details not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Mouth of the Saint Clair River, Michigan
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Details not specified
- Number of Masts: Details not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The C. H. Walker was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were integral to maritime commerce, facilitating the transport of bulk commodities such as iron ore, lumber, and grain across the lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1857, the C. H. Walker was designed for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping. While specific dimensions and tonnage are not documented, schooners of this era typically ranged from 100 to 150 feet (30 to 45 meters) in length and were built with robust wooden hulls to withstand the challenging conditions of the lakes.
History
On September 26, 1876, the C. H. Walker was en route from L’Anse, Michigan, to Erie, Pennsylvania, carrying a cargo of iron ore. While crossing the mouth of Saginaw Bay, the vessel began to leak. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the captain and crew made the decision to head for the nearest port to seek assistance. Despite their efforts, the schooner foundered at the mouth of the Saint Clair River. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in the incident.
Significant Incidents
- September 26, 1876: The C. H. Walker foundered due to hull failure while carrying iron ore.
Final Disposition
Following the incident, the C. H. Walker was declared a total loss. There is no documented evidence of salvage operations or recovery of the vessel. Given the circumstances and the era, it is likely that the remains of the vessel deteriorated over time or were reclaimed by the lake.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the C. H. Walker has been located or surveyed by maritime archaeologists or divers. The exact coordinates of the wreck remain unknown.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-h-walker-1857″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The loss of the C. H. Walker underscores the perils faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly those engaged in the transport of heavy cargoes like iron ore. Her story contributes to the rich maritime history of the region, highlighting the importance of schooners in the economic development of the Great Lakes and the challenges they faced in their service.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C. H. Walker
- Official Number: Not documented
- Date Built and Launched: 1857
- Builder: Details not specified
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Tonnage: Not specified
- Date Lost: September 26, 1876
- Location of Loss: Mouth of the Saint Clair River, Michigan
- Cause of Loss: Hull failure due to leaking
- Cargo: Iron ore
- Loss of Life: None reported(shipwrecklog.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Midland Daily News, us-data.org, Pinterest)
Vessel Type
The C. H. Walker was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were integral to maritime commerce, facilitating the transport of bulk commodities such as iron ore, lumber, and grain across the lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1857, the C. H. Walker was designed for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping. While specific dimensions and tonnage are not documented, schooners of this era typically ranged from 100 to 150 feet (30 to 45 meters) in length and were built with robust wooden hulls to withstand the challenging conditions of the lakes.
History
On September 26, 1876, the C. H. Walker was en route from L’Anse, Michigan, to Erie, Pennsylvania, carrying a cargo of iron ore. While crossing the mouth of Saginaw Bay, the vessel began to leak. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the captain and crew made the decision to head for the nearest port to seek assistance. Despite their efforts, the schooner foundered at the mouth of the Saint Clair River. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in the incident. (us-data.org)
Final Disposition
Following the incident, the C. H. Walker was declared a total loss. There is no documented evidence of salvage operations or recovery of the vessel. Given the circumstances and the era, it is likely that the remains of the vessel deteriorated over time or were reclaimed by the lake.
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the C. H. Walker has been located or surveyed by maritime archaeologists or divers. The exact coordinates of the wreck remain unknown.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no current navigational warnings or advisories related to the C. H. Walker‘s wreck site. Given the lack of precise location data and the passage of time, the site does not pose a known hazard to navigation.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: C. H. Walker
Conclusion
The loss of the C. H. Walker underscores the perils faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly those engaged in the transport of heavy cargoes like iron ore. Her story contributes to the rich maritime history of the region, highlighting the importance of schooners in the economic development of the Great Lakes and the challenges they faced in their service.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: C. H. Walker, schooner, Lake Huron, shipwreck, 1876, Saint Clair River, iron ore
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, 19th Century Shipwrecks
- Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, used extensively on the Great Lakes for cargo transport.
- Foundered: A term used to describe a vessel that has filled with water and sunk.
- Hull Failure: Structural failure of the ship’s hull, leading to leaks or sinking.(us-data.org)