Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Treasure Beneath the Waves

Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Treasure Beneath the Waves

The Great Lakes, comprising Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, have long been integral to the history and economy of North America. With their vast expanses of water, they have been both a highway for commerce and a resting place for countless ships that have succumbed to storms, navigational errors, or wartime actions. The allure of treasure in these shipwrecks, combined with the region’s rich maritime history, makes for an intriguing exploration of what lies beneath the waves.

The History of Great Lakes Shipping

The Great Lakes have been a focal point for transportation since the first European explorers arrived in the 17th century. The region’s natural resources, including timber, iron ore, and grain, propelled the need for maritime transport. By the early 19th century, commercial shipping became established, leading to the construction of numerous ports and the booming of shipping industries across the Great Lakes region.

As shipping grew, so did the significance of maritime trade routes that connected the American Midwest with eastern markets. The

Introduction

of steam-powered vessels in the mid-1800s revolutionized transport, increasing safety and efficiency. However, the vast, turbulent waters proved to be treacherous, leading to a high frequency of shipwrecks.

According to estimates, over 6,000 shipwrecks occurred in the Great Lakes, from the early European incursions to contemporary shipping routes. Each wreck tells a story and may conceal significant artifacts or treasures lost to time.

The Most Notable Shipwrecks

Among the countless wrecks, several have become iconic for their storied histories and treasures still believed to be lurking within. Some of the most notable shipwrecks include:

• SS Edmund Fitzgerald: This freighter sank tragically in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, during a severe storm, taking 29 crew members with her. The wreck was discovered in 1975, resting over 500 feet below the surface. While the treasure in this case is more about the loss of life and memory, relics and artifacts from the ship have since been recovered.
• Rouse Simmons: Known as the “Christmas Tree Ship,” the Rouse Simmons sank in a storm on November 23, 1912, while carrying a cargo of Christmas trees destined for Chicago. The wreck was located in 1971 off the coast of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and artifacts such as the original mast and personal items from the crew members were recovered.
• Mary Ward: The Mary Ward sank in 1871 near the Straits of Mackinac. Her wreck lies at the bottom of Lake Huron, and while largely forgotten, treasure hunters seek to uncover potential cargo remnants from the vessel’s journey.
• SS Badger State: This car ferry sank in 1945 in Lake Michigan. Its presumed cargo, along with intact personal items, has made it a target for underwater explorers hoping to retrieve artifacts.

The Geology of Shipwrecks

The geology of the Great Lakes contributes significantly to shipwreck occurrences. The lakes are deep, with underwater topographies that include both steep drop-offs and considerable shallow areas, making navigation perilous. The sedimentary rock formations, particularly in the Great Lakes Basin, contain materials that can affect navigation, and submerged obstacles such as old piers and rocks can be perilous for vessels.

Environmental Factors and Their Impact

Severe weather is a common cause of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. The lakes are subject to sudden and violent storms, with strong winds and unpredictable waves. As many vessels were not built to withstand such conditions, several tragedies resulted. The notorious “Gales of November” were prevalent in the late fall and the winters, causing calamities like the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Other environmental factors affecting wrecks include:

• Temperature Changes: Lake temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, affecting water density and ice formation. When ice covers the lakes, vessels can also become trapped.
• Visibility Issues: Dense fog or snow can drastically decrease visibility, leading to collisions or grounding of vessels on shoals.
• Currents and Winds: The Great Lakes experience strong currents that can drag vessels off course and cause accidents.

Dangers of Navigation

Navigating the Great Lakes is a complex task that requires skill and experience. Given their size and tumultuous nature, numerous navigational aids have been established over the years, including lighthouses and buoys. However, many shipwrecks occurred when sailors failed to account for shifting conditions or navigational errors. Some wrecks were also the result of collisions between vessels, often in busy shipping lanes.

Treasure Hunting: The Legalities and Techniques

The search for treasure in the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes has ignited the interest of many adventurers and explorers through history. However, the recovery of artifacts or treasure is governed by laws that seek to protect cultural heritage. Different states have various regulations regarding underwater exploration and artifact recovery.

Legal Framework

In the United States, the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 grants states ownership of shipwrecks located within their submerged lands. Consequently, recovery activities are often subject to permission from the relevant state authorities. Here are some points to consider:

• Ownership Rights: Shipowners retain rights to the wreck and its contents if they can establish continuity of ownership. However, once the ships are abandoned, rights transfer to state custody.
• Artifact Protection: Artifacts retrieved from shipwrecks can often be preserved for historical and educational purposes, meaning that finders may need to donate or report significant finds.
• Ethical Considerations: Many treasure hunters must navigate ethical considerations in regard to respect for the deceased crew, cultural heritage, and local laws before embarking on recovery trips.

Techniques Used in Treasure Hunting

As scavengers seek the treasures of the lost ships, several techniques and technologies have emerged to aid the hunt. Some of these techniques include:

• Sonar Technology: Side-scan sonar is a common method for locating wrecks. It creates images of the seabed and can detect anomalies that hint at resting shipwrecks.
• Underwater ROVs: Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with cameras allow explorers to navigate away from the main vessel and examine suspected wreck sites without diver risks.
• Diving Equipment: Advanced diving gear facilitates deep-water exploration, enabling treasure hunters to physically explore wrecks.
• Magnetometry: This technique measures magnetic fields and can help locate metallic artifacts or shipwrecks.

Explorers and Their Stories

Numerous explorers and treasure hunters have made their mark on the Great Lakes through passionate pursuits to uncover lost treasures. Each search contributes to the lore and excitement surrounding these submerged vessels.

Notable Treasure Hunters

Figures such as Jim Dupre, a well-known treasure diver specializing in the Great Lakes, have spent decades unearthing artifacts from sunken vessels. Dupre has been pivotal in recovering parts of the Rouse Simmons and has advocated for conservation of these marine treasures. Many other individuals and groups have embarked on treasure hunts, with results varying from minor artifacts to significant finds.

Expeditions and Discoveries

Countless expeditions have been mounted to explore sunken shipwrecks, often funded by private investors or treasure-hunting enthusiasts. Documentations of the finds have been published, contributing to a growing body of knowledge on Great Lakes maritime history. A well-known expedition is that led by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, which focuses on preservation and education through the exploration of wrecks such as the Edmund Fitzgerald.

The Future of Shipwreck Exploration

As technology advances and underwater exploration techniques improve, the prospects for uncovering more treasures in the Great Lakes remain promising. Researchers and treasure hunters are increasingly able to access more profound depths and conduct comprehensive surveys of historical wreck sites. However, environmental conservation efforts and laws governing underwater exploration remain ever-evolving, seeking to balance adventure with preservation efforts.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in underwater technology, including autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and advancements in diving gear, are expected to advance the capabilities of explorers. Local universities and organizations focusing on maritime archaeology are increasingly collaborating with professional treasure hunters, aiming to unify interests toward both discovery and preservation.

Educational Initiatives

Awareness of the significance of Great Lakes shipwrecks has led to educational initiatives that aim to foster respect and appreciation for maritime heritage. Collaborations with schools, museums, and historical societies provide valuable learning experiences for future generations about the importance of these submerged vessels

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy Underwater

The shipwrecks of the Great Lakes offer a glimpse into a transformative era of maritime exploration and trade. While many perished during tragic events, their stories and the stories of their vessels live on beneath the waves. The treasures hidden within these wrecks not only represent potential financial gain but are artifacts of historical and cultural significance, deserving of preservation and respect. The ongoing pursuit of these submerged relics continues to capture the imagination of adventurers, historians, and treasure hunters alike, marking the Great Lakes as a rich repository of stories waiting to be told.