Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ellen Parker
- Type: Wooden, two-masted brig
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: Allen or Averell
- Dimensions: 133 ft × 26 ft × 10 ft (40.5 m × 7.9 m × 3.0 m); approx. 333 tons
- Registered Tonnage: Not listed
- Location: South Manitou Island area, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: Not listed
- Original Owners: Not listed
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden, two-masted brig designed for bulk cargo.
Description
A sizeable brig for its era, Ellen Parker was built in Chicago in 1846 (likely by Allen or Averell), measuring about 133 ft long with a 10 ft hold depth—a sturdy design for the booming mid-century Great Lakes grain trade (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
History
Originally engaged in grain and wheat transport, she had several accidents: stranded in 1846 and 1849 near Buffalo, struck by lightning in 1855, and a collision in 1847. On 4 November 1856, she docked at South Manitou Island to repair rigging before resuming her wheat-cargo voyage. As she got underway, the schooner Rapid collided with her. In distress, Ellen Parker was steered toward shore but was then struck again by the schooner Eldred, leading to her sinking. An insurance loss estimated at $23,000 was filed—though all crew survived (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Significant Incidents
- Stranded near Buffalo in 1846 and 1849.
- Struck by lightning in 1855.
- Collision in 1847.
- Collided with Rapid and Eldred leading to sinking on 4 November 1856.
Final Disposition
Sunk near South Manitou Island after sequential collisions; declared a total loss. No salvage records exist, and no remains are documented today.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No known archaeological survey or dive investigation has located her remains. The wreck site is likely buried in shallow water or shoreline debris.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ellen-parker-1846″ title=”References & Links”]
The Ellen Parker exemplifies the compounded risks of mid-19th-century lake navigation—not only storms and grounding but also vessel congestion and collisions. After being accidentally holed by two schooners during a routine rigging repair, she sank at South Manitou in November 1856. Though crew escape was successful, her loss underscores early shipping hazards on Lake Michigan. Without a documented wreck site, she remains a historical case for future underwater archaeology.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ellen Parker
- Former Names: None
- Registration Number: Not listed
- Date Built and Launched: 1846, Chicago by Allen or Averell
- Measurements: 133 ft × 26 ft × 10 ft (40.5 m × 7.9 m × 3.0 m); approx. 333 tons
- Date Lost: 4 November 1856
- Place Lost: South Manitou Island area, Lake Michigan
Vessel Type
Wooden, two-masted brig designed for bulk cargo.
Description
A sizeable brig for its era, Ellen Parker was built in Chicago in 1846 (likely by Allen or Averell), measuring about 133 ft long with a 10 ft hold depth—a sturdy design for the booming mid-century Great Lakes grain trade (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
History
Originally engaged in grain and wheat transport, she had several accidents: stranded in 1846 and 1849 near Buffalo, struck by lightning in 1855, and a collision in 1847. On 4 November 1856, she docked at South Manitou Island to repair rigging before resuming her wheat-cargo voyage. As she got underway, the schooner Rapid collided with her. In distress, Ellen Parker was steered toward shore but was then struck again by the schooner Eldred, leading to her sinking. An insurance loss estimated at $23,000 was filed—though all crew survived (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Final Disposition
Sunk near South Manitou Island after sequential collisions; declared a total loss. No salvage records exist, and no remains are documented today.
Located By & Date Found
No known archaeological survey or dive investigation has located her remains. The wreck site is likely buried in shallow water or shoreline debris.
Notmars & Advisories
No remaining navigational markers or obstructions are known. The collision and sinking occurred near the shore, not within navigation channels.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – P section (Ellen Parker) (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Historical reports and collision logs from South Manitou rescue archives
Conclusion
The Ellen Parker exemplifies the compounded risks of mid-19th-century lake navigation—not only storms and grounding but also vessel congestion and collisions. After being accidentally holed by two schooners during a routine rigging repair, she sank at South Manitou in November 1856. Though crew escape was successful, her loss underscores early shipping hazards on Lake Michigan. Without a documented wreck site, she remains a historical case for future underwater archaeology.
ellen-parker-1846 1856-11-04 23:19:00