(wooden two-masted Schooner, built 1835)

Identification & Vessel Details

  • Name: La Salle
  • Built: 1835 by Parsons shipyard, Huron, Ohio
  • Official Number: 15803
  • Type: Wooden two-masted Schooner used for grain transport
  • Dimensions: Approx. 83 ft × 24 ft × 10 ft; 167 tons
  • Trade Route: Primarily engaged in Lake Michigan grain runs

Final Incident – September 22, 1849

  • Voyage: Departed Chicago bound for Milwaukee (her home port), carrying a grain cargo
  • Location of Loss: Approximately 12 miles offshore from Racine, Lake Michigan
  • Weather Conditions: Struck by a sudden squall—likely a powerful autumn storm
  • Incident Description: The squall capsized the vessel, causing rapid loss of stability and structural integrity; La Salle sank quickly in deep water
  • Casualties: 8 out of 9 aboard were lost; only one known survivor from the crew (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Final Disposition

  • Declared: Total constructive loss. The wreck remains submerged and unrecoverable in deep water
  • Survivors & Rescue: At least one crew member survived the capsize—details may be preserved in period accounts

Archival Sources

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry confirms build data, loss date/location, cargo, casualty count, and wreck outcome (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Archival Gaps & Research Recommendations

  • Survivor Identity & Account: Milwaukee and Racine newspapers (Sept–Oct 1849) may feature interviews detailing the incident
  • Captain & Crew Records: Shipping logs and crew manifests from Chicago or Milwaukee ports might list names and roles
  • Cargo Valuation: Grain manifests or insurance records could reveal loss value and affected merchants
  • Maritime Conditions: U.S. Weather Bureau (predecessor) or lighthouse logs may contain data on the squall’s intensity
  • Ship Registry Detail: Original shipyard or registry documents may confirm construction quality and ownership

Summary

The Schooner La Salle, built in 1835 and engaged in grain transport, capsized during a sudden squall on Lake Michigan off Racine on September 22, 1849. She sank rapidly, with only one survivor out of nine aboard. The vessel was lost to deep water and declared a Total Loss. Further investigation into crew records, weather logs, and period newspapers could provide a more human and technical perspective on this tragic early Great Lakes maritime disaster.

Would you like me to source historical newspaper stories, weather observations, or crew listings to enrich the account of the La Salle’s final voyage?