131-Year-Old Wreck of Triple-Masted Schooner Discovered in Lake Michigan

The 131-year-old wreckage of the triple-masted Margaret A. Muir schooner, which carried cargo across all five Great Lakes for over two decades, has been discovered in Lake Michigan. The remains of the 130-foot vessel were found this spring a few miles off the entrance to the Algoma Harbor on the Wisconsin side of the lake.

Unveiling of the Discovery

Maritime historians from the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association announced last week they had discovered the schooner’s remains, lying in about 50 feet of water. These historians have long been invested in researching various shipwrecks presumed to be located at the lake’s bottom.

Final Journey of the Muir

On Sept. 30, 1893, the Muir was hauling a load of bulk salt from Bay City, Michigan to Chicago when it sailed into a pre-dawn gale in Lake Michigan’s center. With wind speeds exceeding 50 mph, the vessel withstood the storm until waves dramatically increased around 7:30 a.m.

Once the vessel neared Ahnapee (present-day Algoma, Wisconsin), the situation rapidly worsened. The captain discovered several feet of water flooding the boat’s cargo hold and issued an order for the crew to abandon ship. Sadly, before the order could be fully executed, the ship dramatically capsized, sinking with the captain’s faithful dog and ship’s mascot on board.

Survival and Loss

Despite the violent capsize, Captain David Clow, who was 71 years old at the time, and his six-person crew used a water-filled lifeboat to reach the Wisconsin shore, where they were taken to safety by the locals. Captain Clow later expressed his deep regret over the loss of his beloved dog, comparing it to a substantial financial loss.

Modern Discovery of The Muir

The present-day research team consisted of Brendon Baillod, Robert Jaeck, and Kevin Cullen. After thorough analysis of historical records, Baillod identified the Muir as a feasible target for their maritime hunt. This led to a comprehensive search operation in association with the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association, and the ship was eventually discovered on May 12.

High-resolution images of the shipwreck site reveal that, although the ship’s deck and sides collapsed during the sinking, much of its gear remains intact. Items such as hand pumps, a bow windlass and two large anchors were identified among the wreckage.

Historical Recognition

Wisconsin archeology groups are currently planning to nominate the wreck for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. If accepted, the Margaret A. Muir will join the schooner Trinidad, another notable shipwreck located off Algoma in 2023.