Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hippogriff
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: William Crosthwaite
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 402 tons (old system); 295.24 gross tons (recorded in 1868)
- Location: Approximately 20 miles off Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 11143
- Original Owners: J. Kelderhouse, Buffalo, NY; Harrison & McGibbon, Buffalo; Gray et al., Cleveland, OH
- Number of Masts: Two or more
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner, single-deck, cargo vessel designed for grain and general freight transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Hippogriff represents the classic mid-19th-century Great Lakes cargo schooner, both in design and in peril. Her career was marked by frequent trans-lake commerce, a significant humanitarian rescue, and a dramatic end due to collision.
History
Enrolled at Buffalo, NY in 1863, the Hippogriff was owned by various parties throughout her service, including Harrison & McGibbon in 1866 and Gray et al. in 1876. She was involved in notable incidents, including a collision with the schooner Jennie & Annie in 1866 and a commendation for rescuing the crew of the Mary Ann Rankin in 1870. The vessel was rebuilt in 1875 to maintain structural integrity and meet increased tonnage demands.
Significant Incidents
- 1866 (Oct): Collided with schooner Jennie & Annie on Lake Erie.
- 1870 (Nov): Captain and crew awarded commendation for rescuing the crew of the schooner Mary Ann Rankin, wrecked off Sugar Loaf Point.
- 1875: Rebuilt to maintain structural integrity and meet increased tonnage demands.
Final Disposition
The Hippogriff sank on September 27, 1877, after colliding with the schooner Emma A. Coyne in Lake Michigan. The final cargo was oats, and fortunately, all crew members were rescued with no casualties reported. The vessel sank approximately 15 minutes after the collision.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Though not rediscovered, the final resting place of the Hippogriff is well documented, making her a viable candidate for underwater archaeological search operations.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hippogriff-us-11143″ title=”References & Links”]
The legacy of the Hippogriff is marked by her involvement in significant maritime incidents and her tragic end. She remains an important part of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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