Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Michigan City
- Type: Sailing Vessel
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Michigan City, Indiana
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Michigan City was a sailing vessel that met its demise during a storm on Lake Michigan.
Description
The vessel was driven ashore and wrecked at Michigan City, Indiana, on October 5, 1889. It was abandoned after grounding in storm conditions, leading to its hull being declared a total loss.
History
The Michigan City was involved in maritime activities on Lake Michigan prior to its loss. The storm that caused its grounding was typical for late-season weather in the region.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: October 5, 1889 (during storm conditions)
- Location: Driven ashore and wrecked at Michigan City, Indiana, Lake Michigan
- Type of Loss: Grounded in a storm and abandoned
- Outcome: Vessel hull declared a total loss; fittings and equipment salvaged by the schooner J. B. STEVENS
- Casualties: None reported
Final Disposition
The vessel was abandoned after being wrecked, with its fittings and equipment salvaged by another vessel, the schooner J. B. STEVENS.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is noted that the hull was declared a total loss.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”michigan-city-pre-1889″ title=”References & Links”]
The Michigan City serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels on Lake Michigan, particularly during stormy weather. Further research could uncover more about its history and the circumstances surrounding its loss.
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.
MICHIGAN CITY — Details of Loss
- Date of Loss: October 5, 1889 (during storm conditions)
- Location: Driven ashore and wrecked at Michigan City, Indiana, Lake Michigan
- Type of Loss: Grounded in a storm and abandoned
- Outcome: Vessel hull declared a total loss; fittings and equipment (“her outfit”) were salvaged by the schooner J. B. STEVENS
- Casualties: None reported
Source Note: The entry states succinctly:
“Driven ashore at Michigan City and wrecked. Her outfit was later saved by the schooner J. B. STEVENS, but the vessel was abandoned.” (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, in.gov)
Context & Observations
- The record indicates a storm caused the grounding, leading to abandonment—common in late-season Lake Michigan weather.
- Evidence suggests successful recovery of movable assets, even though structural salvage was not possible.
- No additional details are included in the database regarding cargo, crew, or specific weather conditions.
Recommended Next‑Steps
To deepen the historical profile:
- Newspaper Research
- Explore Michigan City Herald, Chicago Tribune, and regional Lake Michigan papers (late September to October 1889) via Historical Newspapers to locate descriptions of the wreck, crew rescue, or salvage operations.
- Harbor & Authority Logs
- Check Michigan City harbor master/logbooks and U.S. Life-Saving Service records for official grounding entries or assistance dispatches.
- Registry & Enrollment Records
- Consult U.S. enrollment records (NARA Region 5) for owner names, vessel measurements, master’s identity, and formal abandonment filings.
Summary
- Loss Date: October 5, 1889
- Location: Michigan City, Lake Michigan
- Cause: Storm-driven grounding; abandoned
- Salvage: Equipment saved by J. B. STEVENS
- No casualties recorded