Gazelle (1846)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Gazelle
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1846 (rebuilt 1851; alternate claim of 1832 disputed)
• Builder: Maumee, Ohio (likely)
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 103 tons (new measurement), 135 tons (old system)
• Location: Little Point Sauble, Michigan
• Coordinates: Not recorded (reef area south of Ludington)
• Original Owners: Messrs. Portch & Co., Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Gazelle was a typical wooden schooner designed for the bustling Great Lakes trade during the mid-19th century. Schooners were highly versatile vessels, valued for their ability to navigate shallow waters and handle bulk cargo efficiently. The Gazelle likely transported materials such as timber, grain, and other goods vital to the developing economies along the Great Lakes.

The vessel’s robust construction and ability to operate in challenging conditions made it a mainstay of Great Lakes maritime trade. By 1867, the Gazelle was considered a relic of a previous era, making her continued service notable in the history of lake commerce.

Description

The Gazelle was built in 1846 at Maumee, Ohio, rebuilt in 1851, and owned by Messrs. Portch & Co. of Sheboygan. She continued in service well past her design era, transporting grain and timber across Lake Michigan. On 9 October 1867, in a heavy southwesterly gale, she grounded near Little Point Sauble, Michigan. Reports described her as heavily damaged; whether she was repaired or abandoned is unclear.

History

The Gazelle‘s early history is muddled due to conflicting records. The prevailing account suggests the vessel was built in 1846 in Maumee, Ohio, and underwent a significant rebuild in 1851. This would make her 21 years old at the time of her grounding in 1867. However, another account claims the schooner was built in 1832, though this is widely disputed and attributed to confusion with another schooner of the same name that was wrecked earlier in the century.

Despite these discrepancies, the 1846 construction date aligns with shipping registries and the vessel’s ownership timeline. The Gazelle was part of a fleet owned by Messrs. Portch & Co., who operated out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and likely engaged in cargo transport across Lake Michigan.

On October 9, 1867, the Gazelle encountered a fierce southwesterly gale near Little Point Sauble, Michigan. The vessel ran aground, sustaining considerable damage. At the time of the incident, she was one of the few schooners from her era still in active service, highlighting her historical and maritime significance.

Significant Incidents

• Cause of Wreck: Ran aground during adverse weather conditions.
• Condition Post-Incident: The vessel suffered significant damage. Historical records do not confirm if the Gazelle was repaired and returned to service or abandoned following the grounding.

Final Disposition

The Gazelle represents the resilience and importance of schooners in the Great Lakes’ maritime history. Her continued operation until 1867, despite being part of an earlier generation of lake craft, underscores the durability of wooden schooners and the evolving demands of regional trade.

The confusion surrounding her construction and history also reflects the challenges of documenting 19th-century maritime activity, where ships frequently changed ownership, underwent rebuilds, or shared names with other vessels.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Gazelle is located in a shallow reef zone near Little Point Sauble, Michigan. The exact condition of the wreck is not well-documented, and it remains unclear whether the vessel was salvaged or abandoned after the grounding.

Resources & Links

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The Gazelle’s story is emblematic of the 19th-century maritime era on the Great Lakes, highlighting both the economic importance of schooners and the challenges of navigating these unpredictable waters. The vessel’s grounding near Little Point Sauble in 1867 serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by mariners and the endurance of these ships in an era of industrial and economic transformation. While the wreck’s ultimate fate remains unclear, its history invites further research and exploration, offering valuable insights into the evolution of Great Lakes shipping.