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.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
