Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Collingwood
  • Former Names: None recorded
  • Official Registration Number: Not documented
  • Date Built: 1855
  • Builder: Unknown
  • Measurements: Not documented
  • Date Lost: November 23, 1882
  • Location of Loss: Approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Milwaukee, Lake Michigan

Vessel Type

The Collingwood was a wooden Schooner, a prevalent vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were primarily used for transporting bulk cargo such as lumber, coal, and grain across the interconnected waterways.

Description

Specific details regarding the Collingwood‘s construction, dimensions, and ownership are scarce. As a Schooner operating on Lake Michigan in the mid-1800s, it likely featured two or three masts and was designed for cargo transport.

History

On November 23, 1882, the Collingwood was en route from St. Helena to Chicago, laden with cedar posts and telegraph poles. Approximately 25 miles northeast of Milwaukee, the vessel became waterlogged during a severe gale. As she Foundered, her cabin was washed off, spars were lost, the Centerboard chain broke, and she ultimately broke in two. Tragically, the captain and three crew members perished, last seen clinging to cedar posts in the frigid waters.

Final Disposition

The Collingwood sank in Lake Michigan on November 23, 1882, approximately 25 miles northeast of Milwaukee. The exact location of the wreck has not been documented in available historical records.

Located By & Date Found

As of current knowledge, the wreck of the Collingwood has not been located or identified.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories indicating the presence of obstructions related to the Collingwood wreck site on contemporary navigation charts.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The sinking of the Collingwood in 1882 adds to the extensive history of maritime incidents on Lake Michigan. While specific details about the vessel and the circumstances of its sinking are limited, the loss of life underscores the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation during that era. Further research in specialized maritime archives or local historical societies may provide additional insights into the Collingwood and its final voyage.

Suggested Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Collingwood, Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, 1882 Great Lakes Storm, Wooden Schooner, Maritime Disasters, Wisconsin Shipwrecks

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Lake Michigan Maritime Incidents, 19th Century Lake Vessels

Glossary Terms:

  • Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, used for cargo transport.
  • Waterlogged: A condition where a vessel becomes saturated with water, compromising buoyancy and stability.
  • Foundered: A term indicating a ship sank, often suddenly and due to structural failure, fire, or leak.