Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: DeWitt Clinton
- Type: Two-mast wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1849
- Builder: Fairport, Ohio
- Dimensions: Approximately 81 ft × 18 ft × 5 ft; 67 tons burden
- Registered Tonnage: Not recorded
- Location: Near mouth of the Kalamazoo River (modern Saugatuck/Douglas, MI)
- Official Number: Not recorded
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-mast wooden scow-schooner, rigged for cargo.
Description
The DeWitt Clinton was built in 1849 and was part of the early scow-schooner freight fleets operating out of Lake Michigan ports. Designed for cargo hauls, particularly lumber, it was typical of the trade for scow rigs during that era.
History
Built in 1849, the DeWitt Clinton was utilized for cargo transportation, primarily lumber, which was a common trade for scow-schooners of the time.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents include:
- Caught in a fierce late-season winter storm, the DeWitt Clinton capsized while carrying lumber.
- While bound from the Kalamazoo River to Chicago, she lost her yawl/small boat in the gale, but the entire crew survived.
- One crew member swam ashore with a line, successfully rescuing all hands.
Final Disposition
The DeWitt Clinton capsized on November 18, 1855, near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. The wreck is believed to be located within shallow nearshore waters of Lake Michigan, close to the river mouth.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck may remain inverted and partially submerged close to shore. Cold lake temperatures and shallower depths may have preserved hull timbers, although sedimentation may have buried remains.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”dewitt-clinton-1849″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the DeWitt Clinton highlights the seasonal risks of late-autumn navigation on Lake Michigan, particularly for smaller vessels. The rescue of the crew illustrates remarkable courage and skill in dire circumstances, making it a significant historical event.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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