IntroductionThe wreck of Chester A. Congdon was a tremendous financial loss. When declared a constructive total loss, officials placed the value at more than $1.5 million. Although the owners carried insurance of $365,000 on the hull and $369,400 in disbursements, the wheat cargo alone at $2.35 per bushel was worth $893,000 (Lake Carriers Association, 1918:143). Contemporary accounts labeled Congdon the largest loss ever sustained on the Great Lakes, surpassing the loss of Henry B. Smith, wrecked in 1913 (Lake Carriers Association, 1918:138; Canadian Railway and Marine World, 1918:567; Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 10, 1918). The Story of the SS Chester A. CongdonConstruction
Origin and Original Dimensions Operational History
Years of Service Wreck Event
Incident and Survivor Accounts Shipwreck SiteWreckage consists of intact pilot house and bow section on south side of reef and an intact stern on north side. Much scattered wreckage is found on the reef between these major sections. Buoy on bow, attached at stern in 65 feet. Map of Chester A. Congdon Bow SiteSS CONGDON Site Map Quick Facts
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Last updated: November 24, 2020