Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

A wooden-hulled Canal Schooner, designed to carry maximum grain loads through the Welland Canal. Notable as Goble & McFarlane’s first three-masted canaller, the Lyons set a model for subsequent vessels (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Description

Built for grain transport, the Daniel Lyons featured a centreboard trunk for stability and a full Schooner rig of three masts. The cargo hold depth and modest beam reflect its canal-adapted design.

History

  • 3 Feb 1873: Launched at Oswego at a cost of $27,000 (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
  • Served in the western Lake Michigan grain run until 1878 under Captains John Blackburn (to 1876) and Michael M. Holland (from 1877).
  • Final Voyage: Departed Chicago ~1 AM, 17 Oct 1878, bound for Black Rock (Buffalo) with 20,000 bushels of wheat (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Incident Summary

At ~3 AM on 18 Oct, Daniel Lyons sighted the Kate Gillett (2‑masted, fence-post laden) about 1 mile north of Algoma under moonlight. Erratic maneuvers by Gillett led to a high-speed collision at ~9 knots, crashing into Lyons starboard side between main and mizzen masts, shearing its stem nearly through (wisconsinshipwrecks.org). Ships remained interlocked for ~15 minutes, allowing crew to transfer before Lyons sank bow-first. Kate Gillett reached Chicago ~5 PM, heavily damaged but afloat (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Final Disposition

The Daniel Lyons sank Stern-up in 110 ft of water; no recovery occurred. It has become an intact archaeological site, protected and buoy-marked seasonally (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Located By & Date Found

Discovered in 1985 by Kent Bellrichard, guided by local fishermen. Anchors and rigging were raised in 1985, marking the site for divers (npgallery.nps.gov).

Site Condition & Dive Information

  • Depth: 110 ft (33 m)
  • Remains: Nearly complete Hull collapsed to port; intact centreboard trunk, Stern and stem posts, rigging debris (npgallery.nps.gov).
  • Protected under state/federal law; removal of artifacts is illegal (wisconsinhistory.org).
  • Seasonally buoy-marked; popular among technical divers (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
  • Lake bottom temps: ~4–6 °C (40–42 °F); vis. 12–30 m (40–100 ft) .

NOTMARs & Advisories

Thematic site hazard notifications were issued immediately after sinking, and periodic buoy marking is maintained. No modern Notices to Mariners list it as a hazard due to marking.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Daniel Lyons serves as a rare and well-preserved example of a 19th-century Canal Schooner. Its catastrophic loss highlights the navigational challenges of Great Lakes grain routes. The wreck, protected and studied, offers significant insight into wooden vessel construction and early Great Lakes commerce.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

Daniel Lyons, Canal Schooner, wooden Schooner, grain transport, collision, Kate Gillett, Lake Michigan, 1878, archaeological dive, Goble shipyard, National Register shipwreck, centreboard trunk, technical diving site