Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Merrimac
- Type: Wooden barge
- Year Built:
- Builder: unknown
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Long Point, likely in Illinois
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden barge, last in a tow consort.
Description
The Merrimac, a wooden tow-barge under tug support from the prop Mayflower, parted tow during a severe storm in September 1875 off Lake Michigan’s Long Point. She washed ashore and was destroyed by surf within weeks, leaving no salvageable remains. No crew were aboard these “dumb” barges, and no casualties were recorded.
History
The Merrimac was part of a tow consisting of several barges, including E. F. Gould, Sophia Smith, and Thomas P. Sheldon, all being towed by the steam propeller Mayflower. During a storm in September 1875, the Merrimac broke loose from its towline and was driven ashore at Long Point. The barge was declared a total loss, and by early November, it had been pounded to pieces by wave action.
Significant Incidents
- September 1875: The Merrimac broke loose from its towline during a storm and was driven ashore.
- By early November 1875, the wreck had been destroyed by wave action.
Final Disposition
The Merrimac was declared a total loss after being driven ashore. No salvageable remains were left as it was destroyed by surf within weeks of the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the Merrimac was completely destroyed by wave action, no remains are accessible for diving or exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”merrimac-1875″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Merrimac serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions.
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.
(Wooden Barge; built unknown – lost September 1875)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Type: Wooden barge, last in a tow consort
- Loss Date: September 1875 (approximate)—driven ashore in a storm
- Tow Vessel: Steam propeller Mayflower, towing barges including E. F. Gould, Sophia Smith, Thomas P. Sheldon, and Merrimac itself
- Location: Shoreline along Lake Michigan—specifically Long Point, likely in Illinois
- Event: Barge broke loose from its towline during a storm, was driven ashore, and declared a total loss; by early November, Merrimac had been pounded to pieces by wave action (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Summary
The Merrimac, a wooden tow-barge under tug support from the prop Mayflower, parted tow during a severe storm in September 1875 off Lake Michigan’s Long Point. She washed ashore and was destroyed by surf within weeks, leaving no salvageable remains. No crew were aboard these “dumb” barges, and no casualties were recorded (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Further Research Opportunities
| Focus Area | Goal | Suggested Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Exact tow date & storm data | Pinpoint timeline and barometric context | NOAA historic storm logs, 1875 newspapers |
| Barge specs & ownership | Identify build origin and tow contract structure | HCGL enrollment files, barge builder archives |
| Mayflower’s logs | Determine conditions leading to breakaway | Marine board inquiry, company logs |
| Salvage or cleanup efforts | To confirm debris fate and legal responsibility | Harbor authority/offshore cleanup documents |