Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Maryland
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: Circa 1844
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Driven ashore during a major gale in Lake Michigan—likely along Western Michigan or Ohio shores
- Official Number: Not located in available registries
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Mid-19th century two-masted wooden schooner used for general freight across Great Lakes ports. Capable of handling varied cargoes and suited for coastal trade routes.
Description
On 3 December 1854, Maryland was headed downlake when a powerful general gale struck the region. The schooner was driven ashore along with several other vessels, likely on the western shore of Lake Michigan. She was pounded by surf against the beach and declared a total loss when salvaging proved unfeasible.
History
The hull was damaged beyond repair and abandoned on the beach. No refloating or salvage operation is recorded.
Significant Incidents
- No modern dive, GPS, or shoreline archeological surveys have documented her timetable or remains.
Final Disposition
The hull was damaged beyond repair and abandoned on the beach. No refloating or salvage operation is recorded.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No navigational aids or chart hazards mark her wreck location. The area remains known for severe winter storms, and grounding events remain possible with similar weather patterns.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”maryland-c1844″ title=”References & Links”]
The Maryland, a wooden schooner built around 1844, was wrecked on 3 December 1854 during a major Lake Michigan gale. Driven ashore and broken up, she was one of several losses in the event. Her crew survived, but her remains remain unlocated and undocumented by modern surveys. Additional archival digging could uncover press reports or harbor logs essential to pinpointing her final resting spot.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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