Shipwreck Discovery: The Muir Found in Lake Michigan
- The schooner Margaret A. Muir, lost in a storm in 1893, has been discovered by maritime historians.
- The shipwreck was located a few miles off a Wisconsin harbor, revealing its long-hidden history.
- This discovery emphasizes the importance of maritime heritage and the ongoing efforts in underwater archaeology.
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 at dawn. Survivors of the wreck reported to the Chicago Tribune that they had lost everything except the clothes they were wearing. 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 tragic footnote in the extensive history of Great Lakes shipwrecks. In 2023, maritime historian Baillod, inspired by his childhood fascination with shipwrecks, initiated a search for the Muir in collaboration with the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association (WUAA). After a year of research, including genealogies of the ship's captain and builders, the team successfully located the vessel, igniting excitement within the maritime community. If the Muir is accepted into the historical register, it will join the ranks of other significant shipwrecks, including the schooner Trinidad, which was discovered in June 2023 off the coast of Algoma.