Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Triumph
- Type: Wooden schooner (two-masted)
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Unspecified (likely Great Lakes region)
- Dimensions: Not recorded; further registry research needed
- Registered Tonnage: Not recorded; registry data recommended
- Location: Chicago north pier
- Coordinates: Approximately at Chicago north pier (precise unknown)
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Smith & Sons, Chicago, IL
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Triumph was a wooden two-masted schooner, constructed in 1855—presumably within the Great Lakes region. Active in freight service under Captain Peter Peterson by spring 1865 out of Chicago, she was operated by local firm Smith & Sons.
Description
Captain Peterson took command of Triumph in 1865, signaling her operational involvement in regional shipping and commerce.
History
On 16 September 1865, amid stormy or gusty conditions, Triumph was wrecked at Chicago’s north pier—described as “lost at the North pier during the early part of the season.” The vessel likely struck or was driven onto the pier structure, resulting in hull breach and structural failure. There are no records of casualties.
Significant Incidents
- The wreck occurred at the pier and was witnessed during the event. No modern recovery, dive investigation, or precise coordinate data exists.
Final Disposition
No navigational warnings or historic notices have been located regarding the incident. The wreck likely did not remain a persistent hazard.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not applicable — wreck was on structural pier, not submerged.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”triumph-1855″ title=”References & Links”]
No known crew fatalities. Potential archival sources: Chicago Tribune and Chicago Inter-Ocean (September 1865 issues) for firsthand accounts or survivor interviews.
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 known
Official Number: Not documented
Registry: U.S. (presumed Chicago-based)
Vessel Type: Wooden schooner (two-masted)
Builder: Unspecified (likely Great Lakes region)
Year Built: 1855
Dimensions: Not recorded; further registry research needed
Tonnage: Not recorded; registry data recommended
Master: Capt. Peter Peterson
Owner: Smith & Sons, Chicago, IL
Cargo on Final Voyage: Not documented
Date of Loss: 16 September 1865
Location: Chicago north pier, Lake Michigan
Coordinates: Approximately at Chicago north pier (precise unknown)
Depth: Likely minimal; vessel driven onto structure
Home Port: Chicago, IL
Casualties: None recorded
Description
Triumph was a wooden two-masted schooner, constructed in 1855—presumably within the Great Lakes region. Active in freight service under Captain Peter Peterson by spring 1865 out of Chicago, she was operated by local firm Smith & Sons.
History
Captain Peterson took command of Triumph in 1865, signaling her operational involvement in regional shipping and commerce. (Source: *Find a Grave* and *Links to the Past*)
Final Dispositions
On **16 September 1865**, amid stormy or gusty conditions, Triumph was wrecked at Chicago’s north pier—described as “lost at the North pier during the early part of the season.” The vessel likely struck or was driven onto the pier structure, resulting in hull breach and structural failure. There are no records of casualties.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck occurred at the pier and was witnessed during the event. No modern recovery, dive investigation, or precise coordinate data exists.
Notmars & Advisories
No navigational warnings or historic notices have been located regarding the incident. The wreck likely did not remain a persistent hazard.
Dive Information
Not applicable — wreck was on structural pier, not submerged.
Crew & Casualty Memorials
No known crew fatalities. Potential archival sources: **Chicago Tribune** and **Chicago Inter‑Ocean** (September 1865 issues) for firsthand accounts or survivor interviews.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“…returned to Chicago, and in 1865 sailed on the schooner **Triumph**, which was lost at the North pier during the early part of the season.” — *Find a Grave: Capt. Peter Peterson* Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Registry details such as tonnage and official enrollment are currently untracked. Suggested archival sources: Chicago or Port of Milwaukee vessel registries, U.S. Coast Guard or port logs for 1865.
Site Documentation & Imaging
No photographic evidence or archival imagery exists for the wreck of Triumph. The event likely was reported in local newspapers; accessing 1865 Chicago archival publications may yield visuals or additional context.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Find a Grave – Capt. Peter Peterson Reference
- Links to the Past – Captains File
- Newspapers.com (for 1865 Chicago archival research)
References
- Find a Grave, Capt. Peter Peterson – Triumph loss (1865 North pier) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Links to the Past – Capt. Peterson & schooner Triumph service note :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None known
Official Number: Not recorded
Coordinates: Chicago north pier, Lake Michigan (approximate)
Depth: Minimal/shallow – on pier structure
Location Description: Wrecked at north pier, driven by storm or wind
Vessel Type: Wooden schooner
Material: Wood
Dimensions: Not recorded
Condition: Hull breached and wrecked by impact; no remains known
Cause of Loss: Stranding/collision with pier (weather-related)
Discovery Date: September 1865 (incident date)
Discovered By: Witnessed at time of loss
Method: Contemporary observation and reporting
Legal Notes: None recorded
Hazards: Likely negligible post-wreck
Permits Required: Not applicable