Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. Young Scammon
- Type: Brig
- Year Built: 1845
- Builder: Chicago
- Dimensions: Length ~240 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~240 tons
- Location: Near South Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
- Original Owners: Western Transportation Co.; previously Hanna & Co. and C. H. Walker, Chicago
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Brig
Description
Description: The J. Young Scammon was a wooden two-masted brig built in 1845 in Chicago. It was among the earliest sizable wooden brigs constructed in the city, highlighting the early shipbuilding industry on the Great Lakes.
History
History: The J. Young Scammon was owned by Western Transportation Co. and had previous ownership under Hanna & Co. and C. H. Walker. It was built during a period of significant growth in the Great Lakes shipping industry.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
- Lost on June 8, 1854, while sheltering from a storm near South Manitou Island, the vessel dragged its anchors, ran aground, and broke into three pieces.
- All crew members survived by climbing ashore via a broken spar.
- Value of the vessel and cargo loss was estimated at $46,000.
- Some sources incorrectly report losses in August 1840 and 1848 on Lake Michigan, citing two fatalities; these appear to be separate vessels.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition: The J. Young Scammon was stranded and broken into three pieces during a storm. The wreck site remains a point of interest for maritime historians and divers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility: The current condition of the wreck is not well-documented, and accessibility may vary. Further archaeological surveys are recommended to assess the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-young-scammon-j-y-scannon-j-y-scammon” title=”References & Links”]
Summary: The J. Young Scammon represents an important part of early Great Lakes maritime history, showcasing the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels to storms. Its loss serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early navigators on the Great Lakes.
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.
Brig J. Young Scammon (built 1845)
Identification & Build
- Name: J. Young Scammon (also seen as J. Y. Scannon or J. Y. Scammon)
- Built: 1845 in Chicago, wooden two-masted brig (~240 tons) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Owners: Western Transportation Co.; previously Hanna & Co. and C. H. Walker, Chicago (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Voyage & Loss (June 8 1854)
- Date: June 8, 1854
- Location: Near South Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
- Circumstances: Sheltering from a storm at anchor, the vessel dragged her anchors, ran aground, and broke into three pieces (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- Crew Rescue: Crew climbed ashore via a broken spar; all survived (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- Value: Vessel and cargo loss estimated at $46,000 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Registry Conflicts & Past Incidents
- Some sources incorrectly report losses in August 1840 and 1848 on Lake Michigan, each citing two fatalities — these appear to be separate vessels and not our 1845-built brig (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Historical Significance
- Among the earliest sizable wooden brigs built in Chicago (alongside Maria Hilliard and Ark in 1845) (Chicagology).
- Highlights early Great Lakes shipbuilding in Chicago and early-cargo vessel vulnerabilities to storms.
Research & Survey Recommendations
| Focus Area | Actions |
|---|---|
| Ship Specs & Archival Records | Seek shipyard documentation or registry archives for build details and cargo manifest. |
| Storm & Anchor Logs | Examine maritime logs or Coast Guard archives covering the June 1854 storm off South Manitou. |
| Local Newspaper Archives | Search St. Joseph Herald, Chicago Tribune, and Detroit Free Press (June 1854) for grounding reports. |
| Archaeological Survey | Conduct side-scan sonar and magnetometer surveys around South Manitou’s shore for hull remains; shallow dive reconnaissance may reveal timbers if visible. |
Summary Profile
- Name: J. Young Scammon (brig, ~240 t)
- Built: 1845, Chicago
- Lost: June 8, 1854 — stranded and broken in three in storm near South Manitou Island
- Crew: All survived; escaped via broken spar
- Value Lost: ~$46,000 (vessel + cargo)
- Misreported Incidents: Unrelated wrecks with fatalities cited in 1840 and 1848