Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Lily E.
  • Former Names: Louisa McDonald
  • Official Registration Number: Not specified
  • Date Built & Launched: 1869
  • Builder: Jasper Hanson, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
  • Construction: Wooden-hulled, two-masted Schooner
  • Tonnage: 210 tons (approx. 190 metric tonnes)
  • Dimensions: Length 123 ft (37.5 m), Beam 25.5 ft (7.8 m), Depth 8 ft (2.4 m)
  • Date Lost: November 11, 1883
  • Location of Loss: Lake Michigan, near Manistee, Michigan
  • Cargo at Time of Loss: Sacked oats
  • Cause of Loss: Struck a bar during a heavy southwest storm
  • Crew: 8 fatalities (all hands lost)
  • Final Disposition: Total Loss
  • Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified
  • Sources:

Vessel Type

The Lily E. was a wooden-hulled, two-masted Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and ability to navigate the often shallow and treacherous waters of the lakes.

Description

Constructed in 1869 by Jasper Hanson in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Lily E. measured 123 feet (37.5 meters) in length, with a beam of 25.5 feet (7.8 meters) and a depth of 8 feet (2.4 meters). With a tonnage of 210 tons (approx. 190 metric tonnes), she was designed for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Her wooden construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying heavy cargoes essential to the growing cities around the lakes.wisconsinmaritime.pastperfectonline.com

History

On November 11, 1883, the Lily E. was in tow of the Tug Williams and inbound to Manistee, Michigan, carrying a cargo of sacked oats. During a heavy southwest storm, she struck a bar near Manistee and was wrecked. All eight crew members aboard perished in the incident. The exact circumstances of the incident, including the specific location of the wreck and contributing factors, remain undocumented in the available sources.

Final Disposition

Following the wrecking during the storm, the Lily E. was declared a Total Loss. There is no information indicating that the wreck was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken. The absence of detailed records suggests that the incident, while tragic, may not have been widely reported at the time, contributing to the lack of comprehensive historical data.

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Lily E. has been located or surveyed.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Lily E. Mariners operating in Lake Michigan near Manistee should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Lily E. serves as a somber reminder of the hazards faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in 1883 underscores the perils of sudden storms and the challenges of navigation during that era. While the lack of detailed records limits our understanding of the specific circumstances surrounding her demise, the Lily E. remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan.

Suggested Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Lily E., Louisa McDonald, Schooner, Lake Michigan shipwreck, 1883 storm, Manistee, Great Lakes maritime history

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Vessels, Schooners

Glossary Terms:

  • Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with Fore-and-Aft Sails on two or more masts, commonly used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
  • Lake Michigan: One of the five Great Lakes of North America, known for its significant role in maritime trade and numerous shipwrecks due to unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Manistee, Michigan: A port city on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, historically significant for shipping and commerce.
  • Storm: A weather condition characterized by strong winds and often precipitation, posing significant hazards to maritime navigation.
  • Tugboat: A small, powerful boat designed to maneuver larger vessels by towing or pushing them, especially in harbors, over short distances.