(Brig, built 1854, lost October 6, 1855)

Identification & Site Information

  • Type: Two‑masted wooden Brig
  • Built: 1854, Peck & Masters, Cleveland
  • Dimensions: ~150 ft length, ~498 tons burden
  • Final loss: October 6, 1855
  • Location: Stranded on Skillagalee (Isle Aux Galets) Reef, Lake Michigan
  • Route: En route from Chicago to Buffalo, carrying grain (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Incident Overview

  • Julia Dean became disoriented—believed on correct course—but drifted 2–3 miles off due to prevailing currents
  • She stranded on Skillagalee Reef, initially intact but firmly stuck (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
  • Over the next two months, autumn storms battered her Hull and superstructure, eventually breaking her apart and completing her destruction (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
  • No loss of life was reported (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Crew Captain’s Claim

Wreck Discoveries

Summary

Julia Dean was a 150-foot Brig transporting grain westbound from Chicago when, on October 6, 1855, she drifted off course and grounded on Skillagalee Reef. Despite initial efforts to free her, she remained stranded and succumbed to fall storms over two months. The alarming captain’s claim of deception by false lights from Beaver Island adds intrigue to her loss. Significantly, her remains may have been positively spotted as recently as 2014.

Research & Exploration Recommendations:

  • Hull Surveys: Compare wreck dimensions and construction lines with 2014 findings to verify identity.
  • Contemporary Newspapers (Oct–Nov 1855): Search Chicago Tribune, Buffalo Courier, and Grand Rapids Republican for incident and crew/cargo details.
  • Harbor Authority Logs: Examination of Beaver Island and Mackinac maritime records for any mention of false lights or deceptive buoys.
  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (HCGL): Analyze original logs and source documents (slh, hgl, ssm, nsp, rr) for captain’s statements and official findings.
  • Underwater Archaeology: If wreck is accessible, an ROV dive could document Hull features, build materials, and cargo remains.