Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Horace H. Badger
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: J.J. Miller
• Dimensions: 129.00 ft (39.32 m); Beam: 30.16 ft (9.19 m); Depth of hold: 9.66 ft (2.94 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 263.51 tons
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• Official Number: 14164
• Original Owners: Captain A. Button et al, Lake & Judson, Taylor & Canfield, T.W. Harvey, L.S. Sullivan of Toledo, Ohio
• Number of Masts: Initially two-masted, later three-masted after rebuild

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Schooner (Initially two-masted, later three-masted after rebuild)

Description

The schooner Gillett, Kate was built in 1867 in Conneaut, Ohio, by J.J. Miller. It was initially rigged as a two-masted schooner and registered in Cleveland, Ohio, receiving its first enrollment on August 1, 1867. The vessel served as a testament to the craftsmanship of wooden shipbuilding in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. It played an essential role in transporting goods, including coal and other cargo, across the lakes.

History

Rebuild and Name Change

The vessel underwent a significant transformation in 1882. After a wreck near Marinette, Wisconsin, it was rebuilt in Chicago, Illinois. During this rebuild, the schooner was enlarged and converted from two masts to three, enhancing its cargo-carrying capacity. On November 2, 1882, its name was changed from Gillett, Kate to Horace H. Badger.

Ownership History

The schooner changed hands multiple times over its service life. Some of the notable owners included:

• Captain A. Button et al
• Lake & Judson
• Taylor & Canfield
• T.W. Harvey
• L.S. Sullivan of Toledo, Ohio

Incidents and Resiliency

The Horace H. Badger was no stranger to adversity, surviving multiple wrecks before its final loss:

• September 1895: Declared lost near Cross Village, Michigan.
• September 1896: Declared lost near Alpena, Michigan.

Despite these incidents, the schooner was salvaged and continued its service on the Great Lakes until its ultimate demise.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Loss

On June 11, 1903, during a storm on Lake Erie, the Horace H. Badger struck the breakwall in Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel, carrying a cargo of coal, was lost. Despite the violent conditions, there were no fatalities among the crew. The wreckage marked the end of the schooner’s eventful history.

Final Disposition

SIGNIFICANCE

The Horace H. Badger represents the resilience of Great Lakes schooners during a time of evolving ship technology and challenging maritime conditions. Its repeated survival of wrecks and eventual loss illustrate the hazards faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, as well as the enduring importance of these vessels in regional commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Horace H. Badger is located in Lake Erie, and while specific dive conditions may vary, divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring that the site remains undisturbed for future generations.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the history of the Horace H. Badger, consider the stories it holds and the lessons learned from its journey. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting the site and contributing to the preservation of maritime heritage.