Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Elizabeth A. Nicholson
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: E. Fitzgerald, Port Huron, Michigan
- Dimensions: ~188 × 33 × 14 ft; 722 GRT / 686 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 722 GRT / 686 NRT
- Location: 7 miles north of Evanston, IL
- Official Number: 8853
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden three-masted schooner, designed for bulk freight.
Description
The Elizabeth A. Nicholson was a wooden three-masted schooner built in 1872, primarily used for transporting coal, lumber, and general merchandise across the Great Lakes.
History
Built by E. Fitzgerald in Port Huron, Michigan, the Elizabeth A. Nicholson was part of the late 19th-century maritime economy, illustrating the tug-and-barge operations prevalent in the coal trade.
Significant Incidents
- November 25, 1895: Caught in a late-fall gale while being towed by the steam tug J. Emory Owen, the vessel was dropped from tow and driven onto rocks, resulting in grounding approximately 7 miles north of Evanston, IL.
- Outcome: The crew and cargo were saved, but the vessel was declared a total loss.
- Cargo: The ship was carrying coal at the time of its loss.
- Casualties: None reported.
Final Disposition
Despite being declared a total loss, the hull of the Elizabeth A. Nicholson was reportedly salvaged and refloated, although it was not re-registered, leaving its fate uncertain in official records.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is noted that the hull was found ‘high on the beach’ after the grounding.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”elizabeth-a-nicholson-us-8853″ title=”References & Links”]
The Elizabeth A. Nicholson serves as a significant example of the maritime history of the Great Lakes, demonstrating the challenges faced by wooden vessels in severe weather and the evolving economic practices of the time.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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