David Wagstaff (1863)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: DAVID WAGSTAFF
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1863
• Builder: I.W. Nicholas
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: A few miles west of North Fox Island

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The DAVID WAGSTAFF was a wooden schooner, a common design for 19th-century Great Lakes cargo vessels. Schooners were fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessels, valued for their speed, maneuverability, and cargo capacity. The vessel’s construction in 1863 by I.W. Nicholas in Vermilion, Ohio, followed the robust shipbuilding traditions of the region. After two decades of service, the DAVID WAGSTAFF underwent significant rebuilding in 1883, likely to address wear and upgrade its structure to meet the demands of ongoing trade.

Description

The DAVID WAGSTAFF served as a hardworking cargo ship during its operational years, primarily transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Its role in carrying building stone highlights its contribution to the construction boom and industrial growth in the Great Lakes region during the 19th century.

History

The schooner was lost while carrying a load of building stone, a durable and heavy cargo typical of schooner transport. The incident occurred a few miles west of North Fox Island in Lake Michigan. Details about the circumstances of the loss are sparse, but the vessel is presumed to have succumbed to the treacherous conditions that frequently challenged schooners on the Great Lakes, including storms, navigational hazards, or structural failures.

Significant Incidents

• No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck.
• The area near North Fox Island is known for other wrecks and shallow hazards; divers should consult local advisories before exploration.

Final Disposition

The DAVID WAGSTAFF was lost west of North Fox Island, and no records indicate that the wreck was located or salvaged. Its cargo and remains are presumed to rest on the lakebed, making it a historical point of interest for shipwreck explorers and maritime historians.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The loss of the DAVID WAGSTAFF near North Fox Island is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century schooners on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1863 to its rebuilding in 1883, the vessel served an essential role in regional commerce. Its sinking while transporting building stone marks a common peril for cargo ships of the era. Today, its story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, inviting further research and exploration into its final resting place.

Resources & Links

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The DAVID WAGSTAFF remains a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the era’s shipbuilding and trade practices. Its story continues to intrigue divers and historians alike.