Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Margaret F. Biglow
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1870
- Builder: Not documented
- Dimensions: Not documented
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 300 tons
- Location: 12 miles west of South Bass Island, Lake Erie
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Margaret F. Biglow was a wooden-hulled schooner, representative of the late 19th-century cargo vessels that plied the waters of the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Margaret F. Biglow were typically rigged with multiple masts, relying on wind power to transport bulk goods such as coal, timber, and grain. This vessel, known for its sturdy build, was vital in supporting the burgeoning industrial economy of the region.
Description
The Margaret F. Biglow was launched in 1870, joining the fleet of cargo-carrying vessels that made up the backbone of commerce on the Great Lakes. Although specific details about her construction and ownership are scarce, the vessel was well-regarded for her capacity and reliability.
The schooner operated for a decade, transporting goods across the often unpredictable and storm-prone waters of the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of her era, the Margaret F. Biglow played an essential role in connecting industrial centers with the resources needed for growth.
History
Final Voyage
On October 27, 1880, the Margaret F. Biglow embarked on what would become her last journey. Carrying a cargo of coal, the schooner was navigating Lake Erie when she encountered a violent storm. The fierce gale overwhelmed the vessel approximately 12 miles west of South Bass Island.
The storm proved catastrophic. The Margaret F. Biglow foundered, sinking beneath the turbulent waves. Tragically, the entire crew was lost in the disaster, highlighting the profound risks faced by mariners of the time.
Significant Incidents
Wreck Site Discovery
The exact location of the wreck remained undocumented for years. However, subsequent surveys and reports indicate that the Margaret F. Biglow likely rests on the bottom of Lake Erie. Artifacts and remains from the ship could potentially offer valuable insights into the vessel’s design and its final moments.
Final Disposition
Date of Loss: October 27, 1880
Cause: Foundered during a severe storm
Cargo: Coal
Outcome: Total loss of vessel and crew
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Margaret F. Biglow is a stark reminder of the perils faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. The storm that claimed the ship and its crew underscores the unpredictability of these inland seas and the significant toll taken on those who depended on them for their livelihood.
Resources & Links
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The Margaret F. Biglow represents the resilience and challenges of 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Her loss in the storm of 1880, along with her entire crew, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks endured by those who sailed these inland seas. The vessel’s story remains an essential part of Lake Erie’s maritime history, reflecting the courage and sacrifice of sailors in the pursuit of trade and transportation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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