Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Monarch of the Glen
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1858
- Builder: T. J. Clark in Cleveland
- Dimensions: Approximately 42 ft (12.8 m) length × 13 ft beam × 5 ft depth; 24 GRT
- Registered Tonnage: 24 GRT
- Location: Approximately north of Sandusky, Ohio, near Marblehead
- Official Number: 16462
- Original Owners: Nicholson Transportation Co., Detroit
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner, also referred to as a sloop or yacht at the time of loss.
Description
The Monarch of the Glen was a small coastal passenger or excursion schooner, reportedly rebuilt in 1860 at Sandusky. It served seasonal routes including trips to Kelley’s Island and Sandusky.
History
Built in 1858 by T. J. Clark in Cleveland, the Monarch was owned by Nicholson Transportation Co. and operated in the Great Lakes region. The vessel was involved in passenger transport and had undergone repairs prior to its final voyage.
Significant Incidents
- Date of loss: November 5, 1862
- Weather: Fierce fall storm
- Casualties: All 5 or 6 aboard perished
- Loss Description: The vessel capsized and foundered in the storm, with Captain Henry Magle among those who drowned.
Final Disposition
Although commonly reported lost in 1862, some local sources suggest that the Monarch may have been recovered and continued in service under the simpler name “Monarch.” However, no definitive evidence supports these claims.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact resting place of the Monarch is unknown; it is likely in deep water off Marblehead. A field survey or historical bathymetric study may facilitate identification.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”monarch-of-the-glen-monarch-us-16462″ title=”References & Links”]
The Monarch of the Glen was lost with all hands on November 5, 1862, in a violent Lake Erie fall storm. While there are rumors of recovery, primary records classify her as permanently lost, with the sinking claiming the lives of her crew, including Captain Henry Magle.
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 & Vessel Information
- Name: Monarch of the Glen (sometimes just Monarch)
- Official Number: 16462
- Type: Wooden schooner (also referred to as a sloop or yacht at loss)
- Built: 1858 by T. J. Clark in Cleveland
- Dimensions: Approximately 42 ft length × 13 ft beam × 5 ft depth; 24 GRT
Career Highlights & Prior Repairs
- Served as a small coastal passenger or excursion schooner, reportedly rebuilt at Sandusky in 1860
- Owned by Nicholson Transportation Co., Detroit — operated seasonal routes including trips to Kelley’s Island and Sandusky (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Incident & Loss
- Date of loss: November 5, 1862
- Location: Lake Erie — approximately north of Sandusky, Ohio, near Marblehead (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Weather: Fierce fall storm
- Casualties: All 5 or 6 aboard perished (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Voyage: Sailed from Kelley’s Island toward Sandusky
- Loss Description: She capsized and foundered in the storm. The official record lists “storm” as the cause. Capt. Henry Magle drowned in the incident. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Post-Incident Notes
- Although commonly lost in 1862, some local sources suggest she may have been recovered and even continued in service under the simpler name “Monarch.” However, no definitive evidence supports these claims (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Archival Gaps & Research Avenues
- Crew Manifest & Passenger List: Names and roles of those aboard are currently unknown; likely recorded in Detroit or Sandusky passenger logs.
- Contemporary Accounts: Investigation could be pursued via 1862 newspapers (Sandusky Register, Detroit Free Press) for reports of the storm and sinking.
- Salvage Attempts: Reports from Sandusky Harbor or Cleveland archives may mention rescue attempts or recovery of vessel remains.
- Captain Details: Confirmation of Capt. Henry Magle’s background and career pending—maritime registry search recommended.
- Wreck Location & Survey: Exact resting place is unknown; likely in deep water off Marblehead. A field survey or historical bathymetric study may facilitate identification.
Conclusion
The Monarch of the Glen, a small wooden schooner built in 1858, was lost with all hands on November 5, 1862, in a violent Lake Erie fall storm north of Sandusky. Although brief rumors suggest she may have been recovered post-loss, primary records classify her as lost permanently. The sinking claimed the lives of her crew, including Captain Henry Magle. Her exact wreck site remains unlocated.
Next Recommended Steps
- Access ship entries and passenger lists from Detroit and Sandusky between 1858–1862
- Retrieve newspaper coverage during November 1862 — search for storm events and disaster reports
- Locate Sandusky Harbor salvage logs and boat records
- Search crew lists and captain registries to identify displacement of family or estate after the sinking