Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Paragon
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner (barge)
- Year Built: 1852 (rebuilt 1863)
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Official Number: Not recorded
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A wooden-hulled scow-schooner used as a towbarge for bulk lumber, towed in groups by steam tugs like William A. Moore.
Description
The Paragon, built in 1852 and rebuilt in 1863, served as part of lumber barge fleets. In October 1868, she was being towed alongside four other barges by the tug William A. Moore. A severe gale struck, and the tow was disrupted. While attempting to recover the tow, Moore collided with Paragon, causing serious damage. The collision forced the crew—five crew members and two passengers—to abandon ship in a yawl. Tragically, five perished; only two survivors were pulled to safety by the Canadian gunboat/tug Prince Alfred. The damaged, waterlogged Paragon was later towed to Sarnia, where she was allowed to founder and sink after being declared a total loss.
History
The waterlogged Paragon settled in Sarnia harbor and sank. Her hull remained abandoned and was later salvaged, possibly rebuilt into the Canadian schooner Keewahtin (built in 1888). Traces of her derelict hull were still visible in Bear Creek as late as 1879.
Significant Incidents
- October 19, 1868: The Paragon was involved in a collision with the tug William A. Moore during a severe gale, leading to the loss of five crew members and passengers.
Final Disposition
The wreck of Paragon was not rediscovered by modern surveys. Her final resting place is believed to be in Sarnia harbor, where she may have been buried or dismantled long ago.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No navigation markers designate the site. The wreck was in shallow harbor waters and likely removed or decomposed during salvage and redevelopment.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”paragon-1852″ title=”References & Links”]
The Paragon‘s loss in October 1868 during a lumber tow operation underscores the dangers of gale winds and towing accidents on Lake Michigan. The combination of collision, storm conditions, and barge traffic led to significant loss of life, leaving a somber maritime legacy. Though her hull was later repurposed—possibly as Keewahtin—and visible debris lingered into the late 19th century, no part of her remains as a modern wreck site.
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: Paragon
- Former Names: None
- Official Number: Not recorded
- Date Built & Launched: 1852 (rebuilt 1863)
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner (barge)
- Cargo at Loss: Lumber
- Crew at Loss: 7 aboard (2 passengers included)
- Date Lost: 19 October 1868
- Place of Loss: Lake Michigan (towing configuration with tug William A. Moore)
Vessel Type
A wooden-hulled scow-schooner used as a towbarge for bulk lumber, towed in groups by steam tugs like William A. Moore.
Description & History
The Paragon, built in 1852 and rebuilt in 1863, served as part of lumber barge fleets. In October 1868, she was being towed alongside four other barges by the tug William A. Moore. A severe gale struck, and the tow was disrupted. While attempting to recover the tow, Moore collided with Paragon, causing serious damage (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, alcheminc.com).
The collision forced the crew—five crew members and two passengers—to abandon ship in a yawl. Tragically, five perished; only two survivors were pulled to safety by the Canadian gunboat/tug Prince Alfred(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com). The damaged, waterlogged Paragon was later towed to Sarnia, where she was allowed to founder and sink after being declared a total loss (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Final Disposition
The waterlogged Paragon settled in Sarnia harbor and sank. Her hull remained abandoned and was later salvaged, possibly rebuilt into the Canadian schooner Keewahtin (built in 1888). Traces of her derelict hull were still visible in Bear Creek as late as 1879 (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Located By & Date Found
Not rediscovered by modern surveys. Her final resting place is Sarnia harbor, buried or dismantled long ago.
Notations & Advisories
No navigation markers designate the site. The wreck was in shallow harbor waters and likely removed or decomposed during salvage and redevelopment.
Conclusion
The Paragon‘s loss in October 1868 during a lumber tow operation underscores the dangers of gale winds and towing accidents on Lake Michigan. The combination of collision, storm conditions, and barge traffic led to significant loss of life, leaving a somber maritime legacy. Though her hull was later repurposed—possibly as Keewahtin—and visible debris lingered into the late 19th century, no part of her remains as a modern wreck site.
Suggested Keywords & Glossary Terms:
scow-schooner barge, towing collision, lumber transport, Lake Michigan gale, barge disaster
Categories:
Great Lakes shipwrecks | Lake Michigan barge losses | collision deaths | 19th-century bulk barge operations