The waters off Algoma, Wisconsin have yielded a remarkable find as the historic schooner Margaret A. Muir, lost for over 130 years, has been discovered by a team of maritime historians. This discovery was announced by the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association on July 19, 2024, following a dedicated search effort.
The Margaret A. Muir, a three-masted schooner built in 1872 at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was initially constructed for Captain David Muir and primarily served the Great Lakes grain trade. Over her 21-year career, she transported diverse cargoes across all five Great Lakes. On September 30, 1893, the vessel met its demise during a violent storm while en route from Bay City, Michigan to South Chicago, Illinois, carrying a cargo of bulk salt. The crew managed to abandon the ship, but the captain’s dog perished with the vessel.
The ship was located on May 12, 2024, using historical records and high-resolution side-scanning sonar by the team including Brendon Baillod, Robert Jaeck, and Kevin Cullen. Found in approximately 50 feet of water, just a few miles off the Algoma harbor entrance, the wreckage had surprisingly gone undetected despite numerous fishing boats passing over the area each season.
The site has been meticulously documented, with thousands of high-resolution images collected to create a 3D photogrammetry model, allowing virtual exploration of the wreck. Although the ship’s sides have fallen outward following the deck’s collapse, key features such as two giant anchors, hand pumps, the bow windlass, and the capstan remain intact.
This discovery sheds light on a significant piece of maritime history and enriches the cultural and historical tapestry of Algoma and the broader Great Lakes region. It serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who traversed these waters over a century ago and the enduring legacy of their voyages.
