Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Perry Hannah
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1859
- Builder: Thomas T. Arnold
- Dimensions: Length 92 ft 8 in (28.3 m); Beam 25 ft 2 in (7.7 m); Depth 8 ft 7 in (2.6 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 183 22/95
- Location: Jacksonport, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 11178
- Original Owners: Charles T. Gray & Thomas Sims (initial), G.F. Grey, Thomas O'Connor, Michael Roach, John Long
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Perry Hannah was a typical Great Lakes two-masted wooden schooner of the mid-19th century, intended primarily for the lumber and general cargo trades. These schooners formed the backbone of bulk transport during the rise of the Great Lakes shipping industry, prized for their simplicity, cargo capacity, and ease of construction.
Description
Built in 1859 at Marine City, Michigan, by Thomas T. Arnold for owners Charles T. Gray & Thomas Sims (or Simonds) of Chicago, the Perry Hannah was actively engaged in the lumber trade. The schooner underwent a significant rebuild in 1862–1863, being lengthened to 125 feet (38.1 metres), with a new measurement of 183 27/95 gross tons, under ownership of G.F. Grey of Chicago.
In 1864, the schooner passed to Thomas O’Connor and Michael Roach of Chicago, and by 1868 was again listed under Chicago ownership with a measurement updated to 219.60 gross tons after repairs. Another rebuild is reported around 1871 by J.L. Wolverton at Marine City.
In 1876, John Long of Chicago became the owner, maintaining the vessel for continued use in the timber trade.
History
On October 15, 1880, the Perry Hannah was driven ashore in a gale near Jacksonport, Wisconsin, while carrying a cargo of hemlock railroad ties. The schooner was pounded to pieces by heavy seas, and declared a total loss. What could be salvaged was removed, and the hulk abandoned.
Significant Incidents
- October 15, 1880: Driven ashore in a gale near Jacksonport, Wisconsin, while carrying hemlock railroad ties.
- Declared a total loss after being pounded to pieces by heavy seas.
Final Disposition
Stripped and abandoned after wrecking near Jacksonport, Wisconsin.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The vessel was destroyed and stripped in 1880, with no known structural remains visible today.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”perry-hannah-us-11178″ title=”References & Links”]
The Perry Hannah illustrates the hazards of schooner operations on Lake Michigan, particularly during the fall storm season. Her rebuilds and long service reflect the importance of schooners in the timber trade, while her ultimate loss near Jacksonport is a reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes sailors.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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