Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lincoln
- Type: steam barge
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Huron, likely while en route from Alpena to Chicago
- Original Owners: Capt. John Duncanson
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A propeller-driven wooden steam barge, typical of the 1870s Great Lakes fleet, outfitted to tow barges and carry bulk freight on deck. Exact dimensions remain unrecorded.
Description
The Lincoln was designed to tow and carry bulk freight, specifically railroad ties during her final voyage.
History
Built in 1872, Lincoln was operated by Capt. John Duncanson during her final voyage along the Lake Huron–Lake Michigan route, carrying railroad ties destined for Chicago.
Significant Incidents
- On October 19, 1887, during a violent gale on Lake Huron, she sank. All seven hands aboard were lost, with no survivors.
Final Disposition
The wreck has never been located or documented by divers. No known surveys or retrievals exist.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No marine navigation warnings or hazard notices were issued post-loss.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lincoln-1872″ title=”References & Links”]
Lincoln was a steam-powered barge built in 1872, lost in a gale off Lake Huron on October 19, 1887, with all hands perishing. The complete absence of survivors and unlocated wreckage frames her as one of the tragic and unsolved maritime losses of the late 19th-century 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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lincoln (steam barge)
- Registry: United States
- Year built: 1872 (steam barge)
- Vessel type: Steam barge — propelled, wood, designed to tow and carry bulk freight
- Cargo at loss: Railroad ties
- Date lost: October 19, 1887
- Location: Lake Huron, likely while en route from Alpena to Chicago (marshcollection.org, youtube.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Casualties: All aboard were lost — seven souls perished (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Vessel Type & Description
A propeller-driven wooden steam barge, typical of the 1870s Great Lakes fleet, outfitted to tow barges and carry bulk freight on deck. Exact dimensions remain unrecorded.
History
Built in 1872, Lincoln was operated by Capt. John Duncanson during her final voyage along the Lake Huron–Lake Michigan route, carrying railroad ties destined for Chicago. (marshcollection.org)
Final Dispositions
On October 19, 1887, during a violent gale on Lake Huron, she sank. All seven hands aboard were lost, with no survivors. (en.wikipedia.org)
Located By & Date Found
The wreck has never been located or documented by divers. No known surveys or retrievals exist.
Notmars & Advisories
No marine navigation warnings or hazard notices were issued post-loss.
Resources & Links
- Marine News (April 2, 1887) – notes Lincoln as a steam barge carrying railroad ties under Capt. Duncanson (wisconsinshipwrecks.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, marshcollection.org)
Conclusion
Lincoln was a steam-powered barge built in 1872, lost in a gale off Lake Huron on October 19, 1887, with all hands perishing. The complete absence of survivors and unlocated wreckage frames her as one of the tragic and unsolved maritime losses of the late 19th-century Great Lakes.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
Steam barge; railroad ties; gale sinking; Lake Huron; all‑hands‑lost wreck; 1887 gale; Great Lakes maritime tragedy.
lincoln-1872 1887-10-19 19:17:00