1881: Schooner Monguagon runs aground

Fog can set in quickly out on the big lake and the Schooner Monguagon went aground off South Fox Island on May 18,1881 in the midst of a thick fog. It wouldn’t be until 1895 that the island fog signal building was authorized and built.

The Monguagon was more fortunate than some, as she got off the shoal after 1,500 bushels of her cargo was jettisoned. She continued on her way to Chicago with the remaining cargo of 20,700 bushels of wheat. The Monguagon was built in 1874 in Trenton, Michigan, and called Detroit her home port. The 301-ton schooner carried a crew of six.

This is “old news” of course. It highlights a typical posting from our current Facebook series where volunteer Kathy Foster has been sharing stories about historic ship wrecks and groundings. Please check out www.facebook.com/southfoxlight to read more of this interesting history.