Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Experiment
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1854
- Builder: J.E. Stevens
- Dimensions: 65 ft (19.81 m) X 18 ft (5.49 m); Depth of hold 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Registered Tonnage: ~50 tons
- Location: St. Joseph Harbor, Michigan
- Official Number: None assigned
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Experiment was a wooden two-masted schooner, built in 1854 at St. Joseph, Michigan by J.E. Stevens. The vessel measured approximately 65 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and had a depth of hold of 6 feet, with a gross tonnage of around 50 tons.
Description
The schooner was primarily used for transporting goods, including firewood. It was involved in notable incidents, including a tragic capsizing in 1855 that resulted in the loss of four lives, and its final wreck in 1902 due to adverse weather conditions.
History
Experiment’s service history includes a significant capsizing incident on June 1, 1855, near St. Joseph Harbor, where it was caught in a sudden gale. The crew and passengers attempted to lower sails, but the vessel capsized, resulting in four fatalities, including the infant son of Captain Nelson Napier. The vessel was later wrecked on September 12, 1902, while carrying firewood. During a southwest gale, it lost control and was driven ashore in St. Joseph Harbor, leading to its declaration as a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- June 1, 1855: Capsized near St. Joseph Harbor; 4 lives lost.
- September 12, 1902: Wrecked in St. Joseph Harbor due to gale and collision avoidance; all 6 aboard survived.
Final Disposition
After the 1902 wreck, Experiment was declared a total loss with damages estimated at around $600. Lifesaving crews rescued all six individuals aboard. The vessel was stripped of valuables shortly after the incident and subsequently abandoned in place.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it was abandoned in St. Joseph Harbor after the 1902 incident. The site may be subject to natural deterioration and environmental factors.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”experiment-1854″ title=”References & Links”]
Experiment’s history reflects the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in relation to weather conditions and harbor hazards. The vessel’s two significant incidents highlight the importance of maritime safety and the risks inherent in sailing during adverse conditions.
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.
built 1854; lost September 12, 1902 Wooden two‑masted schooner, Lake Michigan
Identification & Specifications
- Built: 1854, at St. Joseph, Michigan by J.E. Stevens
- Gross tonnage: ~50 ton, measuring approximately 65 × 18 × 6 ft
- Registry No.: None assigned (common for small schooners of that era) (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
June 1, 1855 – Capsize near St. Joseph
- While returning from Chicago, the vessel was caught in a sudden gale near the entrance to St. Joseph Harbor on Lake Michigan. The crew and passengers hurried to lower sails, but the schooner capsized abruptly, trapping passengers and crew aboard.
- Fatalities: Four lives lost, including the infant son of Captain Nelson Napier. Mrs. Napier and Edward (age 12) survived. Available records note the tragic death of Captain Jennings among others.
September 12, 1902 – Final Destruction at St. Joseph Harbor
- Her final voyage saw Experiment carrying firewood when she struggled with control in St. Joseph Harbor amid a southwest gale. After swerving to avoid an unmarked construction crib, she lost steerage and was driven ashore within the harbor.
- Declared a total loss with damage estimated at around $600. Lifesaving crews rescued all six aboard. She was stripped of valuables on September 15 and abandoned in place.
Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Experiment |
| Built | 1854, St. Joseph, MI (J.E. Stevens) |
| Type / Specs | Wooden schooner; ~50 gt; 65 × 18 × 6 ft |
| Capsizing Incident | June 1, 1855; near St. Joseph harbor; 4 lives lost |
| Final Loss | Sept 12, 1902; wrecked in St. Joseph harbor with firewood cargo |
| Cause of Final Loss | Gale + collision avoidance; lost power and control |
| Crew & Casualties | 6 aboard; all survived |
Context & Significance
- Experiment‘s 1855 accident—especially the capsizing shortly after departure—was notable for its dramatic rescue of Mrs. Napier and child, while four perished.
- Nearly half a century later, she was wrecked again, this time within harbor confines—struck by weather and manmade obstacles. Both incidents occurred at St. Joseph, reflecting the shoaling hazards of the harbor entrance.
Research Opportunities & References
- U.S. Lifesaving Service Reports and Port Records: Detailed accounts of rescue actions and harbor incidents in both 1855 and 1902.
- Local Newspapers (e.g., St. Joseph Saturday Herald, Port Huron Daily Times): likely reportage on both tragedies, including eyewitness testimony and storm analysis.
- Insurance ledgers and underwriters’ loss reports tied to the 1902 incident, including valuation of firewood cargo and vessel abandonment.