Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cousin Mary
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1853
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Lake Michigan, near Chicago
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Masts: Two or more
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Cousin Mary was a wooden-hulled schooner, a common type of sailing vessel used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and coal.
Description
Specific details regarding the vessel’s dimensions and construction are not provided in the available sources. However, as a schooner built in 1853, the Cousin Mary would have featured a wooden hull and been rigged with two or more masts, designed for efficient cargo transport across the Great Lakes.
History
On May 12, 1875, the Cousin Mary was driven ashore and wrecked during a storm on Lake Michigan near Chicago. The vessel was abandoned on June 1, 1875. Notably, on May 30, 1873, the Cousin Mary was involved in a collision with the schooner St. Peter in Chicago, resulting in the Cousin Mary sinking at the pier.
Significant Incidents
- May 30, 1873: Collision with the schooner St. Peter in Chicago, resulting in sinking at the pier.
Final Disposition
Following the stranding in 1875, the Cousin Mary was deemed a total loss and subsequently abandoned. There is no information available regarding salvage operations or the recovery of cargo.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Specific details about the discovery or exploration of the Cousin Mary’s wreck site are not provided in the available sources.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cousin-mary-1853″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Cousin Mary in 1875 underscores the hazards faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly during severe weather conditions. The incident highlights the importance of accurate navigation and the challenges posed by sudden storms. The Cousin Mary’s story contributes to the broader understanding of maritime history in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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