Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mint
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1843
- Builder: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length 76 ft (23.2 m); Beam 14 ft (4.3 m); Depth 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 44 tons (approx. 39.9 metric tonnes)
- Location: South of the harbor entrance at Calumet, Illinois
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Mint was a wooden, two-masted packet schooner, a type of vessel commonly used in the mid-19th century for transporting goods and passengers across the Great Lakes. Packet schooners were known for their speed and regular service schedules, making them a vital component of commerce during that era.
Description
Built in 1843 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Mint was a modestly sized schooner measuring 76 feet (23.2 metres) in length, with a beam of 14 feet (4.3 metres) and a depth of 5 feet (1.5 metres). With a gross tonnage of 44 (approx. 39.9 metric tonnes), she was designed for the efficient transport of cargo and possibly passengers across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for speed and maneuverability.
History
On August 30, 1850, the Mint encountered a storm while navigating Lake Michigan near the entrance to Calumet Harbor, Illinois. The vessel stranded during the storm and subsequently broke up, resulting in a total loss. There is some ambiguity regarding the aftermath; certain records suggest that the Mint may have been recovered, but definitive information is lacking. The incident underscores the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could swiftly turn routine voyages into disasters. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Significant Incidents
- Stranded during a storm on August 30, 1850, leading to total loss.
Final Disposition
Following the stranding and breakup, the Mint was considered a total loss. Some historical accounts imply that recovery efforts may have been undertaken, but there is no conclusive evidence to confirm the vessel’s salvage. The exact details of her final disposition remain uncertain.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Mint has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mint-1843″ title=”References & Links”]
The Mint serves as a representative example of the numerous small schooners that operated on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Her loss near Calumet Harbor in 1850 highlights the challenges of navigation and the ever-present danger of sudden storms in the region. While the vessel remains undiscovered, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Michigan.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mint
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: None
- Date Built & Launched: 1843
- Builder: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Construction: Wooden, two-masted packet schooner
- Tonnage: 44 tons (approx. 39.9 metric tonnes)
- Dimensions: Length 76 ft (23.2 m), Beam 14 ft (4.3 m), Depth 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Date Lost: August 30, 1850
- Location of Loss: South of the harbor entrance at Calumet, Illinois, Lake Michigan
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Unknown
- Cause of Loss: Stranded during a storm and broke up
- Crew: Unknown
- Final Disposition: Total loss; possibly recovered
Vessel Type
The Mint was a wooden, two-masted packet schooner, a type of vessel commonly used in the mid-19th century for transporting goods and passengers across the Great Lakes. Packet schooners were known for their speed and regular service schedules, making them a vital component of commerce during that era.
Description
Built in 1843 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Mint was a modestly sized schooner measuring 76 feet (23.2 metres) in length, with a beam of 14 feet (4.3 metres) and a depth of 5 feet (1.5 metres). With a gross tonnage of 44 (approx. 39.9 metric tonnes), she was designed for the efficient transport of cargo and possibly passengers across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for speed and maneuverability.
History
On August 30, 1850, the Mint encountered a storm while navigating Lake Michigan near the entrance to Calumet Harbor, Illinois. The vessel stranded during the storm and subsequently broke up, resulting in a total loss. There is some ambiguity regarding the aftermath; certain records suggest that the Mint may have been recovered, but definitive information is lacking. The incident underscores the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could swiftly turn routine voyages into disasters.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition
Following the stranding and breakup, the Mint was considered a total loss. Some historical accounts imply that recovery efforts may have been undertaken, but there is no conclusive evidence to confirm the vessel’s salvage. The exact details of her final disposition remain uncertain.
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Mint has been located or surveyed.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Mint. Mariners operating in the area near Calumet Harbor, Illinois, should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Mint serves as a representative example of the numerous small schooners that operated on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Her loss near Calumet Harbor in 1850 highlights the challenges of navigation and the ever-present danger of sudden storms in the region. While the vessel remains undiscovered, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Michigan.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Mint, schooner, Lake Michigan shipwreck, 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, Calumet Harbor maritime history
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Vessels, Schooners
Glossary Terms:
- Packet Schooner: A type of sailing vessel that operated on a regular schedule, transporting goods and passengers across bodies of water.
- Stranded: A term used when a vessel runs aground or is otherwise immobilized, often leading to damage or loss.
- Calumet Harbor: A harbor located in Illinois on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, historically significant for shipping and commerce.
- Lake Michigan: One of the five Great Lakes of North America, known for its significant role in maritime trade and numerous shipwrecks due to unpredictable weather conditions.
- Storm: A weather condition characterized by strong winds and often precipitation, posing significant hazards to maritime navigation.