Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mercury
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: McLeod at New Jerusalem, Ohio
- Dimensions: 121 × 27 × 19 ft; 230 GRT / 219 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 230 GRT / 219 NRT
- Location: Chicago Harbor, Lake Michigan
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
Description
The Mercury was a wooden three-masted schooner built in 1871 by McLeod in New Jerusalem, Ohio. She measured 121 feet in length, 27 feet in beam, and had a depth of 19 feet. The vessel was registered out of Grand Haven, Michigan, and primarily carried lumber as cargo.
History
The Mercury had a service history typical of lumber schooners of her time, navigating the Great Lakes and transporting goods until her loss in 1894. The vessel’s construction and operation reflect the maritime practices of the late 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- May 18, 1894: During a powerful northeast gale, the Mercury attempted to anchor inside Chicago Harbor but dragged her anchors and was smashed to matchwood by wave action and wind. The crew was rescued safely by bystanders.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Mercury was located near 25th-30th Street in Chicago Harbor. It is likely that her remains were cleared for navigation, although some debris may still reside in the lake bottom sediments.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No known dive survey or underwater archaeological documentation exists for the site of the Mercury. The wreck’s condition remains largely undocumented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mercury-1871″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Mercury serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by sail-powered vessels in urban harbors, particularly during sudden storms. The incident highlights the importance of civilian intervention in maritime disasters.
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.
Schooner Mercury (built 1871 – lost May 18, 1894)
Vessel Profile
- Built: 1871 by McLeod at New Jerusalem, Ohio
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Dimensions: 121 × 27 × 19 ft; 230 GRT / 219 NRT
- Registry: Out of Grand Haven, Michigan
- Cargo: Lumber
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date: May 18, 1894
- Location: Chicago Harbor, Lake Michigan
- Incident: During a powerful northeast gale, Mercury was attempting to anchor inside the harbor when she dragged her anchors and was smashed to matchwood—broken completely apart by wave action and wind. The crew was rescued safely by bystanders. The vessel broke up entirely shortly afterward
Aftermath & Wreck Site
- The wreck was located 25–30th Street in Chicago Harbor, and her remains were likely cleared for navigation although some debris may still reside in the lake bottom sediments.
- No known dive survey or underwater archaeological documentation exists for the site.
Historical Significance
- Represents the vulnerability of large sail-powered lumber schooners to sudden spring storms—especially when attempting to anchor in urban harbors with limited protection.
- The incident is a rare example of crew survival through civilian intervention during a harbor-based vessel disaster.
- Adds to the documented maritime losses surrounding Chicago’s rapid expansion in the late 19th century.
Research & Exploration Opportunities
| Objective | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Architectural & Registry Records | Review shipbuilding records in New Jerusalem/OH and registry documents from Grand Haven (circa 1871–1894). |
| Harbor & Port Records | Examine Chicago Harbor master logs and dredging reports post-1894 for debris clearance related to Mercury. |
| Contemporary Media Accounts | Investigate Chicago Tribune and Inter Ocean newspapers (May–June 1894) for storm, wreck, and rescue coverage. |
| Remote-Sensing Survey | Map the 25th–30th Street breakwalls using side-scan sonar and magnetometer to locate submerged wreck fragments. |
| Shoreline Dive/Survey | Conduct shallow-water dives to document remaining structural materials, if any persist. |
Summary
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Mercury |
| Built | 1871, New Jerusalem, OH |
| Type | Lumber schooner, three-masted |
| Lost | May 18, 1894—smashed in NE gale |
| Crew | All rescued safely by bystanders |
| Cargo | Lumber |
| Significance | Sail-powered vessel lost in urban harbor; civilian rescue under duress |