Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

The J.S. MINOR was a classic mid‑19th-century, wooden, two‑masted Schooner designed for general cargo, likely including lumber. Built for utility, she was well-suited for seasonal trades on Lake Huron.

Description

At about 27 m (88 ft) long, she had a moderate beam and Draft. The 1864 Rebuild suggests she was made larger and potentially reinforced—perhaps increasing cargo capacity following typical Great Lakes operational needs.

Powered purely by sail, she would have relied on wind and skill—common for her era and design.

History

Constructed in 1857 at Port Huron, she underwent enlargement mid-career in 1864. Operating out of Detroit, she carried goods across Lake Huron, particularly lumber. On 10 November 1877, a sharp storm struck: she plunged into rocky shallows at Charity Passage near Caseville, drifted ashore, and was wrecked without loss of life.

Final Disposition

The vessel was driven ashore and broke apart near Charity Passage, Huron County, Michigan. Her remains were Abandoned as a total wreck at that shoreline, likely broken up by wave and ice action over time.

Located By & Date Found

No formal modern survey or rediscovery is recorded. Coordinates are not documented, and the site remains undocumented in underwater archaeological sources.

Notations & Advisories

  • No hazard markings appear on navigation charts.
  • Scattered wreckage may remain along the shore or just offshore—erosion and lake action likely displaced or buried most remnants.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The J.S. MINOR, built 1857 and expanded in 1864, met her end on 10 November 1877 during an abrupt Lake Huron storm. She capsized onto rocky bottom in Charity Passage and drifted ashore, breaking up with no human losses. Today, her remains likely lie in the surf or shoreline near Caseville, Michigan—unlocated in modern records.

Suggested Next Steps

  • Review local Huron County newspapers and maritime records from November 1877 for precise location or eyewitness accounts.
  • Explore shoreline surveys near Charity Passage for possible material remnants or historical markers.
  • Confirm any archival insurance or salvage records for details not captured in shipwreck databases.