Shipwreck Discovery: The Muir Found in Lake Michigan
- The historic schooner Margaret A. Muir, lost in a gale on September 30, 1893, has been located off the coast of a Wisconsin harbor town.
- Maritime historians announced the discovery, which adds to the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan.
- This shipwreck is a significant find, contributing to the understanding and preservation of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
A historic shipwreck, the Muir, a 130-foot, three-masted vessel built in 1872, has been discovered submerged under approximately 50 feet of water in Lake Michigan, near Algoma, Wisconsin. The ship sank just a few miles from Algoma Harbor, contributing to the region's rich maritime history, which is believed to contain the remains of over 6,000 ships dating back to the 17th century. The Muir was primarily used for the Great Lakes grain trade but carried a variety of cargoes throughout its 21-year operational life. The Muir met its fate during a fierce storm on October 4, 1893, when a 50-mile-per-hour gale struck the area. Survivors of the wreck were reported to have arrived in Chicago, having lost all their possessions except for the clothes they wore. Captain Clow, one of the survivors, expressed his disillusionment with sailing, stating, “I have quit sailing for the water seems to have no liking for me.” This incident marked the Muir as a significant yet tragic chapter in the extensive history of Great Lakes shipwrecks. In 2023, maritime historian Baillod, inspired by his childhood experiences with shipwrecks in Lake Superior, initiated a search for the Muir. His extensive research included tracing the ship's captain, builders, and owner. The successful discovery of the Muir has reignited interest in its storied past, and if accepted into the register, it will join the ranks of other notable shipwrecks, including the schooner Trinidad, located earlier in June 2023.