Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Two Charlies
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: James M. Jones, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length: 83 ft (25.3 m); Beam: 21 ft (6.4 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 87 GT
- Location: Just south of the south pier, Grand Haven, Michigan, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 24145
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Two Charlies was classified as a wooden schooner, a common vessel type used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Two Charlies was a small wooden schooner, built in 1852 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by James M. Jones. She was used for general cargo transport on the Great Lakes, likely carrying lumber, grain, or other bulk goods between Midwestern ports. She underwent significant repairs in 1857 and was rebuilt during the winter of 1859-60, suggesting she was well-maintained and remained an active part of Great Lakes commerce for over two decades.
History
On October 9, 1876, the Two Charlies was caught in a storm off Grand Haven, Michigan. Unable to withstand the rough weather, she sank just south of the south pier. Despite the vessel’s loss, no casualties were reported, and it is likely the crew was able to escape to safety.
Significant Incidents
- 1857: Significant repairs undertaken.
- 1859-60: Rebuilt during the winter.
- October 9, 1876: Caught in a storm and sank near Grand Haven, Michigan.
Final Disposition
No known salvage efforts or recovery. Wreck status unknown, but given her wooden construction and location near a harbor, it is possible that remnants were either scattered or removed over time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck. Grand Haven, Michigan, is a known area for shipwrecks due to storms and strong currents.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”two-charlies-us-24145″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Two Charlies was a sturdy but aging schooner that served on the Great Lakes for nearly 25 years before succumbing to a storm near Grand Haven in 1876. Though her wreck has not been found, her loss is part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan, where many small schooners met similar fates.
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.
Schooner Two Charlies (1852)
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Two Charlies
- Other Names: None
- Official Number: 24145
- Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden schooner
- Builder: James M. Jones, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Year Built & Launched: 1852
- Specifications: Length: 83 ft (25.3 m) Beam: 21 ft (6.4 m) Depth: 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 87 GT
- Date Lost: October 9, 1876
- Location of Loss: Just south of the south pier, Grand Haven, Michigan, Lake Michigan
- Cause of Loss: Storm, foundered
- Loss of Life: None reported
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Unknown
Vessel Description & History
The Two Charlies was a small wooden schooner, built in 1852 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by James M. Jones. She was used for general cargo transport on the Great Lakes, likely carrying lumber, grain, or other bulk goods between Midwestern ports. She underwent significant repairs in 1857 and was rebuilt during the winter of 1859-60, suggesting she was well-maintained and remained an active part of Great Lakes commerce for over two decades.
Final Voyage & Loss
On October 9, 1876, the Two Charlies was caught in a storm off Grand Haven, Michigan. Unable to withstand the rough weather, she sank just south of the south pier. Despite the vessel’s loss, no casualties were reported, and it is likely the crew was able to escape to safety.
Final Disposition & Salvage
No known salvage efforts or recovery. Wreck status unknown, but given her wooden construction and location near a harbor, it is possible that remnants were either scattered or removed over time.
Located By & Date Found
No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck.
Notmars & Advisories
Grand Haven, Michigan, is a known area for shipwrecks due to storms and strong currents.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
- Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
- Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels
Conclusion
The Two Charlies was a sturdy but aging schooner that served on the Great Lakes for nearly 25 years before succumbing to a storm near Grand Haven in 1876. Though her wreck has not been found, her loss is part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan, where many small schooners met similar fates.
two-charlies-us-24145 1876-10-09 07:55:00