Charley (1863)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: CHARLEY
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1863
• Builder: A.B. Meyer, Detroit, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 113 ft (34.4 m); Beam: 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 50 tons
• Location: Mouth of Beaver River, Minnesota, Lake Superior

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The CHARLEY was a small but sturdy wooden schooner, built to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the CHARLEY were essential for regional trade during the mid-to-late 19th century, facilitating the movement of raw materials, lumber, and other goods. The vessel’s relatively modest dimensions made it ideal for navigating narrow harbors and rivers, as well as enduring the challenging weather conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

The CHARLEY was constructed in 1863 by A.B. Meyer in Detroit, Michigan, during a period of rapid maritime expansion on the Great Lakes. As a schooner, it contributed to the thriving trade network that connected the Upper Midwest with eastern markets.

Throughout its nearly two decades of service, the CHARLEY likely carried cargoes such as lumber, grain, or coal, essential to the growing industries and communities around the Great Lakes. Schooners like the CHARLEY were the workhorses of their time, helping to shape the economic and social fabric of the region.

History

On May 10, 1881, the CHARLEY met its end at the mouth of the Beaver River, located in Minnesota on Lake Superior. The exact circumstances surrounding the loss are unclear. The vessel may have been wrecked at its dock, possibly due to a storm or structural failure. There is also speculation that the schooner could have been repaired and returned to service, as historical records lack definitive closure on the incident.

Adding to the mystery, a schooner named CHARLIE was reported missing in 1877 near Whitefish Point. It is uncertain whether this was the same vessel or a separate schooner with a similar name, further complicating the narrative of the CHARLEY’s final years.

Significant Incidents

The CHARLEY’s ultimate fate remains ambiguous. If it was repaired after the 1881 incident, there is no documentation of its later voyages or final loss. However, its connection to the perilous waters of Lake Superior and the challenges of schooner navigation during that era underscores the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The CHARLEY’s story highlights the critical role schooners played in the development of commerce and industry in the Great Lakes region. Its loss serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks of storms, mechanical failures, and navigational hazards on these vast inland seas.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site of the CHARLEY’s wreck near the Beaver River could hold historical significance if remnants of the vessel remain. Discovering the wreckage would offer valuable insights into mid-19th century shipbuilding and trade practices on the Great Lakes. Any artifacts or structural remnants would provide a tangible connection to the era of schooner dominance.

Resources & Links

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The schooner CHARLEY, built in 1863, is a symbol of the resilience and risks faced by 19th-century sailors and shipbuilders. Its ambiguous end at the mouth of the Beaver River in 1881 reflects the unpredictable nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes. Whether wrecked, repaired, or lost under other circumstances, the CHARLEY remains part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.