Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C. J. HUTCHINSON
- Type: Schooner, wood-hulled, 2-mast (originally built as a brig)
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: Samuel Farmin
- Dimensions: 136 ft (41.5 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 254 gross tons
- Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 4360
- Original Owners: Nelson Ludington
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Two-Masted Schooner (originally built as a brig)Description
The C. J. HUTCHINSON was a wooden brig built in 1846 by Samuel Farmin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally constructed with two square-rigged masts, the vessel was later converted to a schooner after 1865 to adapt to the evolving demands of Great Lakes shipping. This conversion allowed for more efficient handling and better performance in the often variable winds of the Great Lakes. At 136 feet in length and 254 gross tons, the vessel was a sizable ship for her time, designed to carry bulk cargoes such as supplies and agricultural products.
History
The C. J. HUTCHINSON operated primarily on Lake Michigan, serving ports between Green Bay and Chicago. By the time of her loss, she was owned by Nelson Ludington, a prominent figure in the lumber and shipping industries. The vessel’s regular cargo included supplies and other bulk goods, reflecting her role in supporting the commercial networks that connected the agricultural and industrial centers of the Midwest.
On November 12, 1871, while en route from Green Bay to Chicago, the C. J. HUTCHINSON attempted to put into Kenosha, Wisconsin, to pick up a load of hay. However, the vessel encountered a storm as she approached the harbor. In the rough conditions, she struck the pier and was spun around by the waves, which caused her to break her back—a catastrophic structural failure where the keel and hull split, rendering the vessel unsalvageable.
The tug UNION was dispatched from Chicago to assist, but bad weather delayed its arrival. By the time the tug reached Kenosha, the C. J. HUTCHINSON was already breaking up in the surf. Despite the destruction of the vessel, there were no reports of loss of life.
Significant Incidents
- November 12, 1871: The C. J. HUTCHINSON struck the pier in Kenosha during a storm, leading to a catastrophic structural failure and total loss of the vessel.
Final Disposition
Struck the pier and was spun around by waves, resulting in a broken back and subsequent breakup at Kenosha, Lake Michigan, on November 12, 1871. The vessel was a total loss, but no lives were lost.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil—no confirmed reports of the C. J. HUTCHINSON wreck being located.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-j-hutchinson-us-4360″ title=”References & Links”]
The C. J. HUTCHINSON‘s loss in 1871 underscores the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes during periods of stormy weather. Originally built as a brig in 1846 and later converted to a schooner, the vessel served as an essential part of the Midwestern shipping network, transporting supplies and agricultural products between key ports. Her destruction at Kenosha highlights the perils faced by mariners, especially when attempting to enter harbors during adverse conditions. While the crew survived, the vessel’s fate reflects the broader story of the many ships lost to the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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