Identification & Site Information
- Name: Churchill
- Official number: 126629
- Year built: 1890, Toledo, Ohio (Craig Shipbuilding)
- Builder: Craig Shipbuilding Co.
- Type: Wood-hulled, three-masted Schooner-Barge (propeller assisted)
- Dimensions: 61.7 m (202.4 ft) × 11.7 m (38.3 ft) × 5.0 m (16.3 ft)
- Tonnage: 1,010 GT / 959 NT
- Cargo capacity: Approximately 1,600 tons
- Final loss location: Off Waukegan, Illinois, Lake Michigan
- Loss date: 13 October 1898
- Loss method: Foundered during gale while under tow
Vessel Type
Designed as a large Schooner-Barge used primarily in ore-carrying operations, utilizing both sail and Tug assistance. Represented the late-era auxiliary sail craft built to maximize cargo with minimal crew.
Description
Single-Deck wooden Hull with Forecastle and three masts (likely fore-and-aft rigged to conserve crew). Equipped with minimal sail to aid towing operations.
History & Chronology
- 17 May 1890: Launched at a cost of approximately US $45,000; enrolled at Port Huron; owned by A.W. Comstock of Alpena, MI; regularly towed by Steamer Niko.
- 12 April 1892: Ownership transferred to Warde Transportation Company, Chicago.
- 13 October 1898: Laden with iron ore and under tow by Steamer Majestic during a fierce gale off Waukegan. The Majestic struggled with rising seas, but Churchill Foundered and sank. Two lives were lost: the captain and one crewman. (Squarespace, greatlakesvesselhistory.com, diverdonscuba.com, greatlakesdrive.com)
- 21 October 1898: Enrollment officially surrendered. (greatlakesvesselhistory.com)
Final Disposition
The vessel was a Total Loss, having sunk during gale-strength waves while under tow. The Majestic survived, but Churchill’s sinking cost two lives and ended her service.
Located By & Date Found
No modern dive survey or rediscovery has been recorded. The site lies off Waukegan in deep water, making it inaccessible for recreational exploration.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No known modern navigational warnings or marine notices regarding the wreck site. The loss was noted historically but not mapped as a lasting hazard due to the depth and location.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessel History – Churchill: confirmed foundering Oct 1898 while in tow, loss of two lives (greatlakesvesselhistory.com)
- Marine History records: describe foundering during gale off Waukegan
- Enrollment and ownership chronology from Board of Underwriters and local newspaper clippings (C. Patrick Labadie collection)
Shore Dive Information
Not applicable — site lies in deep, open-water conditions unsuitable and unsafe for diving. No known commercial dive operations or surveys.
Conclusion
The Churchill reflects a transitional design: large, auxiliary sail Schooner-barges serving low-cost bulk transport—especially iron ore. Her loss highlights the perils of late-season ore-hauling voyages under tow. Though large and modern for its type, she could not withstand mid-lake gale conditions. No visible remnants remain, and the site is of archival rather than dive interest.