Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. E. Sutherland
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1850
- Builder: Joseph Randall in St. Joseph, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 77 tons gross (99 tons old measurement)
- Location: Near the west pier of Michigan City, Indiana
- Coordinates: N/A
- Official Number: 12766
- Original Owners: N/A
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
Description
The J. E. Sutherland was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1850. It was constructed by Joseph Randall in St. Joseph, Michigan, and had a registered tonnage of 77 tons gross.
History
The J. E. Sutherland had a service history typical of mid-19th century vessels, primarily operating in the Great Lakes region. It was involved in various trade activities until its loss in November 1869.
Significant Incidents
- November 1869: The vessel was stranded near the west pier of Michigan City, Indiana, during a gale-force storm. It was dragged ashore and dismasted by heavy waves. The crew was rescued, and no lives were lost.
Final Disposition
Despite being expected to be a total loss, the Sutherland remained listed in some registers, suggesting possible salvage or repair. However, other records indicate it was declared a total loss, with no documented salvage attempts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and there are no confirmed reports of its remains. Further exploration and research may provide insights into its fate.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-e-sutherland-us-12766″ title=”References & Links”]
The J. E. Sutherland serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly during late-season storms. Its ambiguous registry status highlights the challenges of historical documentation for shipwrecks.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Schooner J. E. Sutherland (built 1850, Official No. 12766)
Identification & Build
- Name: J. E. Sutherland (sometimes seen as J. E. Southerland)
- Built: 1850 by Joseph Randall in St. Joseph, Michigan
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Official Number: 12766
- Tonnage: 77 tons gross (99 tons old measurement) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Voyage & Loss (November 1869)
- Date: November 1869 (specific day not recorded)
- Location: Stranded near the west pier of Michigan City, Indiana, on Lake Michigan (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Incident: Dragged ashore during a storm and dismasted by heavy waves. At the time, it was expected to be a total loss (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Weather: Gale-force storm conditions; crew rescued and no lives lost (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Aftermath & Vessel Fate
- Despite expectations, the Sutherland remained officially listed in some registers afterward, suggesting possible salvage or repair (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- However, other records list her as a total loss, with no details on salvage attempts (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Significance
- A mid-19th century schooner built in Michigan that illustrates common dangers of late-season storms and reliance on pier shelter in Lake Michigan
- The dismasting event highlights how even near-port conditions could become perilous during gales
- Ambiguity in registry status underscores limitations of historical records—wrecks were often not uniformly documented
Research & Exploration Opportunities
| Focus Area | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| Archival Newspapers | Review Michigan City Tribune, Chicago Tribune, and Milwaukee Sentinel around Nov 1869 for storm-related rescue or salvage reports. |
| Lifeboat & Harbor Logs | Request logs from nearby U.S. Lifesaving Service units (Michigan City) and harbor master for records of dismasting or structured salvage. |
| Vessel Register Review | Compare registry listings in 1870–1871 to confirm removal or reconfirmation of her wreck status. |
| Shoreline Survey | If pier remains are known, conduct shoreline/underwater examination for possible structural wreckage near the west pier foundation. |
Summary
- Name: J. E. Sutherland (or Southerland)
- Built: 1850, St. Joseph, MI; wooden 2-mast schooner
- Loss: November 1869 – storm-driven ashore near Michigan City pier, dismasted; crew survived
- Registry: Conflicting records – declared total loss, but persisted in listings; no documented salvage