Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rough and Ready
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: exact coordinates unrecorded
- Official Number: Not listed
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Rough and Ready was a wooden schooner, a common type of sailing vessel on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, primarily used for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain and lumber.
Description
Constructed in 1847, the Rough and Ready was designed for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Schooners of this era were typically two-masted vessels, favored for their speed and maneuverability, making them well-suited for the often unpredictable conditions of the lakes.
History
On June 10, 1847, while navigating Lake Michigan, the Rough and Ready collided with the steamer Constellation. The impact caused the schooner to sink, resulting in the loss of its cargo, which included 4,000 bushels of wheat and 500 barrels of flour. Remarkably, there were no casualties reported from this incident.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the steamer Constellation on June 10, 1847, leading to the sinking of the Rough and Ready.
Final Disposition
Following the collision, the Rough and Ready sank in Lake Michigan. There are no records indicating that the vessel was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck of the Rough and Ready has not been located or identified.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”rough-and-ready-1847″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the Rough and Ready highlights the navigational hazards present on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly as maritime traffic increased with the growth of commerce. Collisions between vessels were not uncommon, often resulting in the loss of ships and cargo. While the Rough and Ready‘s wreck remains undiscovered, its story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →