Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Mary Margaret
  • Former Names: None
  • Official Registration Number: None
  • Date Built & Launched: 1852
  • Builder: Chicago, Illinois
  • Construction: Wooden Schooner
  • Tonnage: 38.80 gross tons (approx. 35.2 metric tonnes)
  • Dimensions: Length 50.8 feet (15.5 metres), Beam 17.6 feet (5.4 metres), Depth 5.3 feet (1.6 metres)
  • Date Lost: November 9, 1854
  • Location of Loss: Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
  • Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber
  • Cause of Loss: Caught in a gale, filled with water, and capsized
  • Crew: All crew members survived by clinging to the wreck
  • Final Disposition: Wreck not located; presumed lost

Vessel Type

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

Description

Built in 1852 in Chicago, Illinois, the Mary Margaret was a modest-sized Schooner designed for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying bulk cargoes such as lumber, which was in high demand during the era of rapid urban development in cities like Chicago.

History

On November 9, 1854, while en route to Chicago with a cargo of lumber, the Mary Margaret encountered a severe gale on Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The storm overwhelmed the vessel, causing her to fill with water and capsize. Despite the suddenness of the disaster, the crew managed to survive by clinging to the overturned Hull until they were rescued. The incident underscores the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could swiftly turn routine voyages into life-threatening situations.

Final Disposition

Following the capsizing, the Mary Margaret was presumed lost. There are no records indicating that the wreck was salvaged or located, and it remains undiscovered to this day.

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, the wreck of the Mary Margaret has not been located.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Mary Margaret. Mariners operating in the area near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Mary Margaret serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Her loss near Milwaukee during a November gale highlights the challenges of navigation and the ever-present danger of sudden storms in the region. While the vessel remains undiscovered, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Michigan.

Suggested Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Mary Margaret, Schooner, Lake Michigan shipwreck, 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, lumber cargo, Milwaukee 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.
  • Capsize: The overturning of a vessel in the water.
  • Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots (63 to 74 km/h or 39 to 46 mph).
  • Lumber Cargo: Timber transported as cargo, often used in construction and manufacturing.
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin: A major port city on the western shore of Lake Michigan, significant in 19th-century Great Lakes shipping.