Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mary Margaret
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: Chicago, Illinois
- Dimensions: Length 50.8 ft (15.5 m); Beam 17.6 ft (5.4 m); Depth 5.3 ft (1.6 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 38.80 gross tons (approx. 35.2 metric tonnes)
- Location: Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: None
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Mary Margaret was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and ability to navigate the often shallow and treacherous waters of the lakes.
Description
Built in 1852 in Chicago, Illinois, the Mary Margaret was a modest-sized schooner designed for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying bulk cargoes such as lumber, which was in high demand during the era of rapid urban development in cities like Chicago.
History
On November 9, 1854, while en route to Chicago with a cargo of lumber, the Mary Margaret encountered a severe gale on Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The storm overwhelmed the vessel, causing her to fill with water and capsize. Despite the suddenness of the disaster, the crew managed to survive by clinging to the overturned hull until they were rescued. The incident underscores the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could swiftly turn routine voyages into life-threatening situations.
Significant Incidents
- November 9, 1854: The Mary Margaret capsized during a gale on Lake Michigan, leading to the loss of the vessel.
Final Disposition
Following the capsizing, the Mary Margaret was presumed lost. There are no records indicating that the wreck was salvaged or located, and it remains undiscovered to this day.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck of the Mary Margaret has not been located.
Resources & Links
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The Mary Margaret serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Her loss near Milwaukee during a November gale highlights the challenges of navigation and the ever-present danger of sudden storms in the region. While the vessel remains undiscovered, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Michigan.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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