Identification & Site Information

  • Name: CONSUELO
  • Type: Schooner
  • Build Year: 1851
  • Builder: R. Calkins, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Dimensions & Tonnage:
    • Tonnage: 195 tons
  • Value: $3,500 (in 1851)
  • Final Location: Lake Huron, near Marblehead (initial sinking in 1875) and Port Hope (final wreckage in 1887)

Vessel Type Description

The CONSUELO was a wooden Schooner designed for cargo transport, particularly heavy materials such as building stone. Built in 1851, it was a robust and seaworthy craft for its era, capable of handling the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes. Repaired and Rebuilt in 1861, the Schooner retained its operational capacity well into the latter part of the 19th century.

History

Early Years:

  • Constructed by R. Calkins in Cleveland, the CONSUELO was launched during a period of rapid maritime trade growth on the Great Lakes.
  • Designed for durability, the vessel’s longevity demonstrated its significant role in the transportation of bulk goods.

Incident of May 1875:

The Schooner was en route from Vermilion, Ohio, to Cleveland with a cargo of building stone when it encountered a gale near Marblehead, Lake Huron.

The storm caused the vessel to sink, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, including:

  • H.M. Hauser (Captain)
  • Wm. Clary (Seaman)
  • Wm. Low (Seaman)
  • Chas. Peterson (Seaman)
  • An unnamed woman cook

Survivors: Two crew members were rescued, though details of their survival are limited.

Body Recovery:

  • The Tug DOWLING of Cleveland found the body of Captain Hauser about two months later, floating in the water.
  • Identification was made through personal effects and clothing, though the body had been significantly damaged by the elements.

Cargo Salvage:

The cargo of building stone was salvaged following the sinking, illustrating the economic importance of the material being transported.

Final Wreck in 1887:

After being raised and returned to service, the CONSUELO met its ultimate end in Port Hope, Lake Huron, in 1887. Details of this final wreck are scarce, but it marked the conclusion of the Schooner’s long and storied career.

Final Disposition

The wreck site near Marblehead (from the 1875 sinking) is likely heavily degraded due to the age of the vessel and the subsequent recovery of its cargo. The Port Hope wreck (1887) represents its final resting place, though no specific details about the wreck’s condition or location have been documented.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the wreck sites of the CONSUELO. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution when exploring historical wrecks due to potential hazards such as submerged debris and shifting lakebed conditions.

Current Condition & Accessibility

  • The 1875 wreck site near Marblehead is largely speculative, and any remnants of the Schooner may be buried or scattered due to recovery efforts.
  • The 1887 wreck at Port Hope may offer some archaeological interest, but its condition and accessibility are undocumented.

Historical Significance

The CONSUELO is emblematic of the working schooners that dominated Great Lakes trade during the mid-19th century. Its long service life, repeated incidents, and ultimate wreck highlight the perilous nature of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. The tragedy of its 1875 sinking underscores the risks faced by sailors and the resilience of those who braved the inland seas.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The story of the CONSUELO reflects the enduring legacy of Great Lakes schooners and the challenges they faced in an era of unpredictable weather and heavy trade demands. From its initial launch in Cleveland to its repeated rebuilds and final demise in Lake Huron, the CONSUELO serves as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes maritime industries and the individuals who worked these historic vessels.

Tags:

#CONSUELO #LakeHuron #SchoonerWreck #GreatLakesShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #VermilionToCleveland #PortHopeWreck