Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: L. B. Fortier
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1858
- Builder: J. Ledger in Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 167 gross tons
- Location: Approximately 10 miles off Grand Haven, Michigan
- Coordinates: N/A
- Official Number: N/A
- Original Owners: Registered out of Buffalo; Master in 1859: Captain Graves
- Number of Masts: N/A
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden scow-schooner, a type of vessel commonly used for transporting goods along the Great Lakes.
Description
The L. B. Fortier was a wooden scow-schooner built in 1858, measuring approximately 167 gross tons. It was registered out of Buffalo, New York, and was typically used for carrying light freight, likely including lumber.
History
Built by J. Ledger in Buffalo, New York, the L. B. Fortier served in the Great Lakes shipping industry. The vessel was under the command of Captain Graves in 1859, indicating it was actively used shortly after its construction.
Significant Incidents
- November 18, 1865: The L. B. Fortier capsized during a gale approximately 10 miles off Grand Haven, Michigan, resulting in the loss of five crew members.
Final Disposition
The L. B. Fortier sank as a total loss due to waterlogging and capsizing in severe weather conditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the L. B. Fortier remains submerged in Lake Michigan, with no known recovery efforts or salvage operations reported.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”l-b-fortier-1858″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the L. B. Fortier highlights the dangers faced by scow-schooners navigating the Great Lakes during autumn storms. The vessel’s sinking serves as a reminder of the perils of maritime navigation in this region.
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.
built 1858; lost November 18, 1865 Wooden scow‑schooner lost in a late-fall storm on Lake Michigan (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Vessel Identification & Build
- Built in 1858 by J. Ledger in Buffalo, New York
- Wooden scow‑schooner, approximately 167 gross tons
- Registered out of Buffalo; Master in 1859: Captain Graves (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date: November 18, 1865
- Location: Around 10 miles off Grand Haven, Michigan on Lake Michigan
- Cargo: Likely lumber or similar light freight (not specified in registry)
- Incident Details: The vessel became severely waterlogged during a gale and capsized. She sank as a total loss, and five crew members were lost. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | L. B. Fortier |
| Build Year & Location | 1858, Buffalo, NY |
| Type / Tonnage | Scow‑schooner, wooden; ~167 gt |
| Loss Date | November 18, 1865 |
| Loss Location | ~10 mi off Grand Haven, Lake Michigan |
| Cargo | Not definitively recorded |
| Cause of Loss | Waterlogging in gale; capsized |
| Crew & Fatalities | 5 crew aboard; all perished |
| Final Disposition | Total wreck; sank at sea |
Historical Context & Research Notes
- L. B. Fortier typifies smaller scow‑schooners frequently lost in autumn storms when overloaded or caught in sudden squalls.
- According to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, the storm left her critically flooded, capsizing the vessel and drowning the entire crew. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, WTTW Chicago)
Suggested Research Avenues
To deepen the archival record on L. B. Fortier:
- 1855–1866 Buffalo maritime and insurance registers for ownership and build documentation.
- Buffalo or western Michigan newspapers (e.g. Buffalo Courier, Grand Haven Daily News) covering November 1865, which may reference loss notices or storm reporting.
- Underwriter or registry logs—claims following fatal losses often documented cargo and owner details.
- Port and customs ledgers from Buffalo and Grand Haven, listing departures, cargo manifests, and vessel operations.
Conclusion
The scow‑schooner L. B. Fortier, built in 1858, capsized and sank during a gale off Grand Haven on November 18, 1865, resulting in the death of five crew survivors and total loss of the vessel. The circumstances—waterlogging under fall storm conditions—reflect typical vulnerabilities of scow-type schooners in late-season Lake Michigan navigation. If you’d like assistance locating period newspapers or insurance archives pertaining to this loss, I’d be glad to help.
l-b-fortier-1858 1865-11-18 10:58:00