Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: HAMILTON
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder: Crockett, Oswego, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 205 Gross Tonnage, 157 Net Tonnage (unconfirmed)
- Location: 40 miles off South Haven, Michigan
- Official Number: 11286
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Schooner (Cargo Transport – Lumber Trade)Description
The Hamilton was a wooden schooner, built in 1847 in Oswego, New York, and operated as part of the “Red Bird” line, a fleet known for carrying bulk goods and timber across the Great Lakes. She reportedly had a “peculiar rig”, though historical records do not specify what made her distinctive from other schooners of the time.
The vessel suffered a major wreck in 1859 near Kingston, Ontario, and underwent significant repairs in 1860, extending her service life for another 13 years.
History
On November 14 or 15, 1873, HAMILTON was carrying a cargo of lumber across Lake Michigan when she was caught in a powerful storm about 40 miles off South Haven, Michigan.
The storm raged for hours, overwhelming the schooner with relentless waves and heavy winds. The buoyant lumber cargo kept her afloat for an extended time, allowing her crew to escape in the small boat.
After several hours of struggle, HAMILTON broke apart completely and was lost to the lake.
The crew fought the storm for 33 hours in an open boat before finally making it ashore, surviving one of the most harrowing ordeals of the era.
The vessel’s master at the time was Capt. H.L. Burch.
Significant Incidents
- Major wreck in 1859 near Kingston, Ontario
- Lost in a storm on November 14 or 15, 1873
- Crew survived after 33 hours in a small boat
- Cargo of lumber lost
- Declared a total loss
Final Disposition
Overwhelmed and broken apart by a storm, sinking 40 miles off South Haven, Michigan, in November 1873.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil—there are no confirmed reports of HAMILTON‘s wreck being located.
Given the open-water loss and wooden construction, her remains are likely scattered or fully deteriorated.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hamilton-us-11286″ title=”References & Links”]
The HAMILTON was a typical Great Lakes schooner of the mid-19th century, operating in the lumber trade before meeting her fate in a storm.
Her crew’s survival—despite 33 hours adrift on an open lake in brutal conditions—is a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes sailors.
Although no confirmed wreckage has been found, her loss remains part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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