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.

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Milwaukee
• Type: River Barge (Wooden Cargo Vessel)
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder: J.B. Auger, Montreal, Quebec
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 147.6 feet (45 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 385 tons
• Register Tonnage: 352 tons
• Capacity: 22,000 bushels
• Final Resting Place:
  • Location: Between Main Duck Island and Galloo Island, near Kingston, Lake Ontario
  • Depth: Exact depth unknown

Vessel Description

The Milwaukee was a wooden-hulled river barge constructed in Montreal by J.B. Auger in 1872. Built to transport bulk cargo across the Great Lakes, the vessel operated primarily on Lake Ontario, carrying goods such as grain and other commodities. Its relatively large capacity of 22,000 bushels made it an important workhorse for commerce during its operational life.

History

The Milwaukee served for over a decade, navigating between key ports such as Charlotte, New York, and Kingston, Ontario. It was involved in routine cargo runs and was considered reliable despite the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.

By 1883, the Milwaukee was an established vessel in the Great Lakes shipping network, providing critical cargo transport services. Its sturdy wooden construction, while typical of the time, left it vulnerable to the harsh conditions frequently encountered on Lake Ontario.

Final Disposition

Incident:

On November 10, 1883, the Milwaukee foundered during a violent gale while navigating the waters near Main Duck Island and Galloo Island in Lake Ontario.

Casualties:

All seven crew members aboard were tragically lost, with no survivors.

Loss Assessment:

The vessel was declared a total loss:

• Hull Valuation: $7,000
• Cargo Valuation: $2,000

Recovery Efforts:

Minimal wreckage was found after the sinking, with reports of oak planks and spikes washing ashore near Dunkirk, New York. The lack of substantial remains further compounded the tragedy and mystery surrounding the vessel’s demise.

Located By & Date

The exact location of the wreck remains undiscovered. No significant modern explorations or salvage efforts have successfully identified the final resting place of the Milwaukee.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to the unknown location of the wreck, diving or exploration efforts are speculative. The area near Main Duck Island is known for challenging conditions, with poor visibility and strong currents, complicating any search operations.

Resources & Links

• Department of Marine & Fisheries Casualty List (1883): Official documentation of the vessel’s loss.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records and shipping registries.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Potential sources for ongoing wreck discovery efforts.
• Local Historical Societies (Dunkirk, Kingston): May hold additional information on the Milwaukee and its final voyage.

Analysis

The sinking of the Milwaukee highlights the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation during the late 19th century. Wooden barges like the Milwaukee, though essential for commerce, were highly vulnerable to the region’s unpredictable weather. The loss of all hands emphasizes the human cost of maritime commerce, while the mystery of the vessel’s resting place remains an enduring question for historians and wreck hunters alike.

The Milwaukee serves as a somber reminder of the perilous nature of early shipping on the Great Lakes, where vessels and crews often succumbed to the forces of nature in the pursuit of economic progress.

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