Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Julia Dean
- Type: Two-masted wooden brig
- Year Built: 1854
- Builder: Peck & Masters, Cleveland
- Dimensions: ~150 ft length; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~498 tons burden
- Location: Skillagalee Reef, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Skillagalee Reef
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Julia Dean was a two-masted wooden brig, built in 1854 by Peck & Masters in Cleveland. The vessel was designed for cargo transport, primarily grain, and was approximately 150 feet in length.
Description
On October 6, 1855, while en route from Chicago to Buffalo, Julia Dean became disoriented and drifted 2-3 miles off course due to prevailing currents. She stranded on Skillagalee Reef, initially remaining intact but firmly stuck. Over the next two months, she was battered by autumn storms, which ultimately broke her apart and led to her complete destruction. Notably, no loss of life was reported during this incident.
History
The vessel’s skipper claimed that the grounding was caused by a false light placed by ‘Mormon pirates’ from Beaver Island, which misled the crew onto the reef. This claim adds an element of intrigue to the wreck’s history.
Significant Incidents
- Julia Dean became disoriented and drifted off course, stranding on Skillagalee Reef.
- She was initially intact but succumbed to storms over two months, leading to her destruction.
- No loss of life was reported.
Final Disposition
A wreck consistent with Julia Dean was tentatively identified in 2014 near Skillagalee Reef, suggesting that her remains may still be present in the area.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is uncertain, but it is believed that the remains may be accessible for exploration. Further surveys and research are recommended to verify the identity of the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”julia-dean” title=”References & Links”]
Julia Dean’s story is a reminder of the perils faced by mariners in the Great Lakes. The combination of navigational challenges and unpredictable weather led to her grounding and eventual destruction, while the intriguing claims surrounding her loss continue to captivate maritime historians.
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, built 1854, lost October 6, 1855)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Type: Two‑masted wooden brig
- Built: 1854, Peck & Masters, Cleveland
- Dimensions: ~150 ft length, ~498 tons burden
- Final loss: October 6, 1855
- Location: Stranded on Skillagalee (Isle Aux Galets) Reef, Lake Michigan
- Route: En route from Chicago to Buffalo, carrying grain (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Incident Overview
- Julia Dean became disoriented—believed on correct course—but drifted 2–3 miles off due to prevailing currents
- She stranded on Skillagalee Reef, initially intact but firmly stuck (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Over the next two months, autumn storms battered her hull and superstructure, eventually breaking her apart and completing her destruction (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- No loss of life was reported (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Crew Captain’s Claim
- The vessel’s skipper alleged that the disaster was caused by a false light placed by “Mormon pirates” operating from Beaver Island, which misled them onto the reef (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Wreck Discoveries
- A wreck consistent with Julia Dean was tentatively identified in 2014 near Skillagalee Reef (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Summary
Julia Dean was a 150-foot brig transporting grain westbound from Chicago when, on October 6, 1855, she drifted off course and grounded on Skillagalee Reef. Despite initial efforts to free her, she remained stranded and succumbed to fall storms over two months. The alarming captain’s claim of deception by false lights from Beaver Island adds intrigue to her loss. Significantly, her remains may have been positively spotted as recently as 2014.
Research & Exploration Recommendations:
- Hull Surveys: Compare wreck dimensions and construction lines with 2014 findings to verify identity.
- Contemporary Newspapers (Oct–Nov 1855): Search Chicago Tribune, Buffalo Courier, and Grand Rapids Republican for incident and crew/cargo details.
- Harbor Authority Logs: Examination of Beaver Island and Mackinac maritime records for any mention of false lights or deceptive buoys.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (HCGL): Analyze original logs and source documents (slh, hgl, ssm, nsp, rr) for captain’s statements and official findings.
- Underwater Archaeology: If wreck is accessible, an ROV dive could document hull features, build materials, and cargo remains.