Identification & Site Information
- Name: CRESCENT
- Built: 1852, Ohio City (Cleveland), OH
- Type: Two‑masted wooden Schooner
- Tonnage: ~297.5 GRT (old-style)
- Cargo at Loss: Freight—molasses, white lead, wheat
- Final Location: Ashore at North Fox Island, Lake Michigan
- Final Loss: 21 November 1855 (wrecked), Hull broken up by 10 December; cargo and gear removed by April 1856
Vessel Purpose & Trade
Operated out of Chicago (District from 1854), carrying mixed freight typical of mid‑19th‑century Great Lakes commerce—including bulk commodities and processed materials. Owned by Meadowcroft of Chicago at time of loss.
Wreck Event & Final Disposition
On 21 November 1855, while en route to Chicago, the CRESCENT encountered gale conditions and was driven ashore at North Fox Island. She broke apart in surf over the following two weeks and was declared a Total Loss. By April 1856, salvage teams had recovered cargo and fittings from the site.
Archival Sources & Citations
- Historical data extracted from print sources including Donald V. Baut’s vessel histories and Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley (C. Patrick Labadie collection).
- Vessel listed in Great Lakes Shipwreck Files under Chicago area 1855, confirming loss near North Fox Island with no recorded loss of life, carrying freight including molasses, white lead, etc. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, arkeonews.net)
Research Gaps & Proposed Next Steps
- Newspaper Research
- Investigate Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press, and St. Ignace-area papers (Nov 1855–Apr 1856) for gale descriptions, wreck reports, and salvage accounts.
- Enrollment & Ownership Records
- Review U.S. Enrollment logs (NARA Region 5) for official owner Meadowcroft’s full registry, master’s name, and any paperwork on loss or salvage.
- Harbor & Salvage Documentation
- Local Historical Collections
- North Fox Island has intermittent settlement history; liaise with Michigan maritime heritage groups for possible site surveys or archival photos.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1852, Ohio City (Cleveland), Ohio |
| Tonnage | ~297.5 GRT |
| Owner | Meadowcroft, Chicago |
| Cargo | Molasses, white lead, wheat |
| Wreck Date | 21 Nov 1855 (storm) |
| Location | North Fox Island, Lake Michigan |
| Fate | Broke up by Dec 10; salvage completed Apr 1856 |
| Loss Type | Storm-driven grounding; Hull and cargo removed |
| Casualties | No known loss of life |
Conclusion
The CRESCENT exemplifies the mid‑19th‑century Great Lakes freight Schooner—vulnerable to sudden storms, yet integral to regional trade. Her loss at North Fox Island, followed by organized salvage efforts, highlights both navigational hazards and active maritime asset recovery practices of the era. While no physical remains are likely, further research could uncover detailed contemporary accounts and administrative records relating to her loss.