Rediscovered After 130 Years: The Shipwreck That Sank in Lake Michigan With the Captain’s Dog

Over 130 years after the Margaret A. Muir, a 130-foot schooner, sank in Lake Michigan, its wreckage has been discovered near the Wisconsin shoreline.

A team of maritime historians from the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association utilized historical documents and advanced sonar technology to discover the location of the lost ship.

Two decades ago, maritime historian Brendan Baillod initiated a project to catalog lost shipwrecks in Wisconsin, which sparked the quest for the Margaret A. Muir. This search gained momentum last year, allowing researchers to refine their efforts to a specific grid area of just five square miles.

On May 12, researchers embarked on a 16-foot motorboat to investigate the area. As they were about to end their search for the day, they spotted something intriguing on the lake’s bottom.

The remnants of the Margaret A. Researchers discovered Muir submerged 50 feet beneath the surface, several miles from Algoma, Wisconsin’s harbor.

Researchers conducted a high-resolution photography expedition to capture detailed images of the wreck. They then used these images to construct a three-dimensional model of the ship. The collapse of the vessel’s deck and the detachment of its sides were noted.

Despite the conditions, the deck equipment—including two large anchors, manual pumps, the bow windlass, and the capstan—remained undamaged.

Experts are striving to include the shipwreck in the National Register of Historic Places. Preserving shipwrecks is crucial as they offer valuable insights into the lives of those who might have lost their lives in these maritime events.

The Margaret A. Muir, built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1872, served as a cargo ship across the Great Lakes for 21 years. On the day of its sinking, it was en route from Bay City, Michigan, to South Chicago, Illinois, carrying a load of 4,375 barrels of salt and a crew of six.

On September 30, 1893, the ship was navigating Lake Michigan when a storm hit with 50 mph gusts.

When Captain David Clow found several feet of water in the hold, he instructed his crew to evacuate the vessel immediately. Tragically, the ship sank in the perilous waters before reaching safety, and the captain’s dog was lost along with it.

The crew successfully reached the beach using the lifeboat and then transported themselves to the St. Charles Hotel to warm up and dry off. The ordeal deeply unsettled Clow, who resolved to abandon his sailing career as a result.

 

That Sank in Lake Michigan With the Captain’s Dog

 

His greatest sorrow was the loss of his dog. People knew the dog for its intelligence and loyalty.. It was a beloved companion to both the captain and the crew.

The captain said he’d rather lose any amount of money than see the creature face the same end as him.

Researchers have uncovered numerous shipwrecks in Lake Michigan, including the steamship Milwaukee, which they discovered just weeks before the Muir. Since the 1600s, experts estimate that more than 6,000 vessels have sunk in the Great Lakes.

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