Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: MONTEZUMA
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1848
- Builder: L. Goler, Cape Vincent, New York
- Dimensions: Not fully recorded; tonnage varied from 237–325 tons over career
- Registered Tonnage: 276 40/95 (old style, ~278 tons)
- Location: Approximately 30 miles SSE of Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: 16421
- Original Owners: H.S. Halstead (Chicago); prior owners included Merrick Line and Fowler & Esseltyne
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden schooner, sail-powered, single deck. Built in 1848 and extensively rebuilt multiple times, reflecting extended use in the grain and cargo trade. Operated along major Lake Erie–Lake Michigan routes.
Description
Launched at Cape Vincent, NY, in 1848, MONTEZUMA initially traded wheat from Sandusky to Buffalo. She underwent multiple rebuilds: in 1856, 1861 (lengthened), and 1865 (re-measured). By the 1860s, she was heavily engaged in the Chicago District grain trade.
History
Her service was marked by numerous mishaps: grounding in 1860 (Fighting Island), 1866 (Oak Orchard Creek), and 1866 (Grand Haven); collisions (Detroit River, 1863); and dismasting in 1871 (Lake Erie). Despite these, she continued operating into 1871 under Halstead of Chicago.
On 3 October 1871, in heavy night weather on Lake Huron, she collided with the schooner HATTIE JOHNSON. The MONTEZUMA foundered about 30 miles SSE of Thunder Bay Island. No formal record survives of survivors or salvage.
Significant Incidents
- Grounding in 1860 (Fighting Island)
- Grounding in 1866 (Oak Orchard Creek)
- Grounding in 1866 (Grand Haven)
- Collision in 1863 (Detroit River)
- Dismasting in 1871 (Lake Erie)
Final Disposition
MONTEZUMA sank rapidly after the collision in deep water. No recovery or wreckage reported. Likely broke apart or was buried by sediment typical of deep Lake Huron losses.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck site has not been discovered or documented archaeologically. Presumed still missing.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”montezuma-us-16421″ title=”References & Links”]
Crew names and fate are not documented in surviving reports. Search recommended via Find A Grave and Chronicling America.
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 Card (Site Style)
Other Names: None
Official Number: 16421
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Schooner
Builder: L. Goler, Cape Vincent, New York
Year Built: 1848
Dimensions: Not fully recorded; tonnage varied from 237–325 tons over career
Tonnage: 276 40/95 (old style, ~278 tons)
Cargo on Final Voyage: Presumed wheat
Date of Loss: 3 October 1871
Location: Approximately 30 miles SSE of Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
Coordinates: Unknown
Depth: Presumed >150 ft
Home Port: Chicago, Illinois (final registry)
Owners: H.S. Halstead (Chicago); prior owners included Merrick Line and Fowler & Esseltyne
Crew: Unknown
Casualties: Unknown
Description
Two-masted wooden schooner, sail-powered, single deck. Built in 1848 and extensively rebuilt multiple times, reflecting extended use in the grain and cargo trade. Operated along major Lake Erie–Lake Michigan routes.
History
Launched at Cape Vincent, NY, in 1848, MONTEZUMA initially traded wheat from Sandusky to Buffalo. She underwent multiple rebuilds: in 1856, 1861 (lengthened), and 1865 (re-measured). By the 1860s, she was heavily engaged in the Chicago District grain trade.
Her service was marked by numerous mishaps: grounding in 1860 (Fighting Island), 1866 (Oak Orchard Creek), and 1866 (Grand Haven); collisions (Detroit River, 1863); and dismasting in 1871 (Lake Erie). Despite these, she continued operating into 1871 under Halstead of Chicago.
On 3 October 1871, in heavy night weather on Lake Huron, she collided with the schooner HATTIE JOHNSON. The MONTEZUMA foundered about 30 miles SSE of Thunder Bay Island. No formal record survives of survivors or salvage.
Final Dispositions
MONTEZUMA sank rapidly after the collision in deep water. No recovery or wreckage reported. Likely broke apart or was buried by sediment typical of deep Lake Huron losses.
Located By & Date Found
Wreck site has not been discovered or documented archaeologically. Presumed still missing.
Notmars & Advisories
None published. Site is uncharted; no navigational hazard reported.
Dive Information
Access: N/A – wreck not located
Entry Point: N/A
Conditions: N/A
Depth Range: Estimated >150 ft (46 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Alpena, MI
Permits: Not applicable
Dive Support: N/A
Crew & Casualty Memorials
Crew names and fate are not documented in surviving reports. Search recommended via Find A Grave and Chronicling America.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“The schooner MONTEZUMA…sank almost immediately after striking the HATTIE JOHNSON, in a gale of wind.”
— Marine Record, 4 October 1871
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
U.S. Official Number 16421. Enrolled at Cape Vincent, later re-enrolled in Chicago. Underwent major rebuilds in 1856, 1861, and 1865. Insurance details not located. Ownership transferred multiple times.
Site Documentation & Imaging
No visual or sonar data exists. Presumed undiscovered. Refer to NOAA Thunder Bay NMS for future updates.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels Index (BGSU)
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Newspapers.com
- Chronicling America
References
- Great Lakes Vessel Index – MONTEZUMA
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- NOAA Thunder Bay NMS
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None
Official Number: 16421
Coordinates: Unknown
Depth: Estimated >150 ft (46 m)
Location Description: 30 miles SSE of Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
Vessel Type: Schooner
Material: Wood
Dimensions: Not recorded; tonnage varied 237–325 tons
Condition: Not located
Cause of Loss: Collision in heavy weather
Discovery Date: Unknown
Discovered By: N/A
Method: N/A
Legal Notes: Registry terminated; ownership defunct
Hazards: None reported
Permits Required: N/A