Marine experts recently made a remarkable discovery in Lake Michigan – the wreckage of a schooner that sank in the late 1800s. The Margaret A. Muir, a 130-foot long three-masted schooner built in 1872, was found in 50 feet of water off Algoma, Wisconsin. The ship was on its way from Bay City, Michigan, to South Chicago, Illinois, carrying a load of bulk salt when it tragically sank during a storm on September 30, 1893.
The crew of six and Captain David Clow were able to make it safely to shore in a lifeboat, but unfortunately, Clow’s dog was lost in the wreck. The captain expressed deep sadness at the loss of his loyal companion, stating that he would have rather lost any amount of money than see the dog perish.
The search for the Margaret A. Muir was initiated by the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association after meticulous research narrowed down the search area to about five square miles. After a year of planning and preparation, searchers were able to locate the wreck on May 12, 2024, during their final pass of the day. The images captured of the wreck reveal the collapse of the vessel’s deck and the outward fall of its sides, indicating the passage of time and the forces of nature at play.
The discovery of the schooner wreckage not only provides valuable insights into maritime history but also offers a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges faced by sailors in the past. The well-preserved artifacts found within the wreck offer a glimpse into the daily lives of those on board, shedding light on the realities of 19th-century seafaring.
As marine archaeologists continue to explore and document the remains of the Margaret A. Muir, the story of this sunken schooner will be preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from. The efforts of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association and its dedicated team of researchers highlight the importance of maritime heritage preservation and the significance of uncovering the hidden stories of the past.
