Constitution – Lake Erie Schooner Shipwreck (1906)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: CONSTITUTION
• Type: Schooner Barge
• Year Built: 1861
• Builder: Benjamin B. Jones
• Dimensions: Length: 148 ft (45 m); Beam: 32 ft (9.8 m); Depth of hold: 13 ft (4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Original: 562 tons; Post-modification: 422 gross tons, 401.54 net tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 7 m / 20 ft
• Location: Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 41° 36.504′ N, 82° 43.752′ W
• Original Owners: Runnels & Sinclair (at time of sinking)
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: The Constitution is classified as a schooner barge, a type of vessel designed for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes.

Description

The CONSTITUTION, built in 1861 by Benjamin B. Jones in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a wooden-hulled schooner barge with three masts. It was designed for transporting bulk goods such as grain, wheat, and limestone. Its sturdy construction and large capacity of 26,000 bushels made it a critical asset for Great Lakes trade during the late 19th century.

History

Construction & Early Service: The Constitution was launched on March 21, 1861, and enrolled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It specialized in transporting bulk goods like wheat and limestone.

Notable Incidents:

• 1862: Collided with schooner W.B. OGDEN on Lake Huron.
• 1869: Suffered sail damage on Lake Huron and underwent repairs in Port Huron, Michigan.
• 1873: Ran aground at Peche Island in the Detroit River while carrying grain.
• 1876: Went ashore at Whitefish Point but was salvaged and repaired in Manitowoc.
• 1889: Ran aground multiple times, including incidents at Middle Island requiring the jettisoning of coal cargo.

Ownership Changes & Modifications:

• 1871: Purchased by Porter & Merrill of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• 1879: Ownership transferred to F. Hurlbut of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
• 1881: Received significant modifications, including a new stern, altering its dimensions and tonnage.
• 1891: Purchased by Fred Krause in Port Huron.
• 1898: Towed by the MAGGIE DUNCAN alongside the vessel FAVORITE.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage: On September 21, 1906, the CONSTITUTION sank at the dock in Kelley’s Island. The vessel was overloaded with limestone and owned by Runnels & Sinclair of Port Huron at the time of its sinking.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the CONSTITUTION lies at a depth of 20 feet (7 meters) near Kelley’s Island in Lake Erie. Despite its relatively shallow depth, the site provides a fascinating look at the robust construction and modifications typical of 19th-century schooner barges.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is well-preserved for its age, with the wooden hull and structural components visible. Brass and iron fittings may still be found amid the debris.

Accessibility:

• Depth of 20 feet makes it suitable for recreational divers and snorkelers.
• Visibility may vary due to sediment and weather conditions in Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the CONSTITUTION serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and challenges of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its accessible location near Kelley’s Island makes it a valuable site for divers and maritime historians, offering insights into the design and operational history of schooner barges.