Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Golden West (originally JNE E. Harrison)
- Type: Wooden barkentine (three-masted sailing vessel)
- Year Built: 1861
- Builder: Benjamin B. Jones, Milwaukee, WI
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 616
- Location: Shoreline near Snake Island, Georgian Bay
- Official Number: 10199
- Original Owners: Harrison & Chapin, Milwaukee, WI
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden barkentine (three-masted sailing vessel)
Description
The Golden West was a wooden barkentine, notable for its three masts and a significant cargo capacity of approximately 28,000 bushels. Originally built in 1861, it underwent various repairs and modifications throughout its service life, including a wire rigging addition in 1881.
History
Launched in 1861, the Golden West was the second-largest vessel constructed at its yard. It had a tumultuous service history marked by numerous collisions and repairs. Significant incidents include a collision with the schooner Yankee in 1862, and various mishaps from 1866 to 1884, culminating in its final voyage where it ran aground during a severe gale.
Significant Incidents
- 1862: Collided with the schooner Yankee in the St. Clair River.
- 1866: Collisions with schooner Hornet (Lake Michigan) and bark Badger State (Buffalo).
- 1869: Lost sails and sprung a leak on Lake Huron; later grounded near Presque Isle.
- 1872–1874: Various collisions and harbor damages, including incidents in Buffalo and Lake Michigan.
- 1879: Underwent extensive repairs in Buffalo; wired rigging re-rigging in 1881.
- 1881: Sunk at Escanaba, MI in June; raised and towed for repair.
- 1883: Ran aground at Manitou Islands while loaded with corn; rescued by steamer Champlain and repaired.
Final Disposition
The Golden West was abandoned on 7 November 1884 after suffering severe hull damage when it ran ashore near Snake Island in Georgian Bay during a blizzard. The vessel was declared a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No underwater debris field or dive site is documented; it is likely that breakup occurred near shallow shore. The vessel was left in situ following abandonment.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”golden-west-jne-e-harrison-us-10199″ title=”References & Links”]
The Golden West serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by 19th-century shipping vessels on the Great Lakes, illustrating both the resilience and vulnerabilities of maritime operations in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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