Identification & Site Information

• Name: Appomattox
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 107236
• Type at Loss: Propeller, wood-hulled, bulk freighter
• Date Built and Launched: 1896
• Builder: James Davidson, West Bay City, Michigan (Hull #77)
• Measurements: 320 ft (97.5 m) length, 42 ft (12.8 m) beam, 23 ft (7 m) depth; 2,643 gross tons, 2,082 net tons
• Date Lost: November 2, 1905
• Place of Loss: North Point, near Milwaukee, Lake Michigan

Vessel Type

Wooden Bulk Freighter

Description

The APPOMATTOX was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter built in 1896 by renowned shipbuilder James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan. At 320 feet long, she was one of the largest wooden ships ever constructed for Great Lakes service, reflecting the transitional period when wooden freighters were still competing with steel-hulled vessels for dominance in the shipping industry. Designed to carry bulk commodities such as coal, the APPOMATTOX was a significant player in the Great Lakes freight network during her operational years.

History

The APPOMATTOX served as a coal carrier on Lake Michigan and was frequently involved in towing operations. On her final voyage in November 1905, she was towing the Barge SANTIAGO when disaster struck. While navigating near North Point just outside Milwaukee, the APPOMATTOX encountered dense fog and smoke, likely from nearby industrial activities or burning coal, which severely limited Visibility.

On November 2, 1905, the vessel ran aground in the fog, becoming stranded on North Point. Despite efforts to free her, the APPOMATTOX remained stuck, and over the following weeks, a series of storms battered the stranded freighter. The final blow came during a massive gale on November 29, 1905, which destroyed the vessel completely, breaking her apart beyond recovery.

Though the ship itself was lost, Reid Wrecking salvaged the boilers, which were stored on a Milwaukee dock until 1922. Interestingly, the APPOMATTOX’s engine remains at the wreck site, a testament to the ship’s once-mighty presence.

Impact on Maritime Safety

The loss of the APPOMATTOX was a pivotal event that sparked public outcry over maritime safety in the region. The absence of adequate navigational aids near North Point was blamed for the grounding, and the disaster led to demands for a new lighthouse to be constructed at the site. This tragedy highlighted the ongoing need for improved safety measures and infrastructure as shipping traffic increased on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century.

Final Disposition

Stranded on North Point due to fog on November 2, 1905. Subsequently destroyed by storms, with the final blow from a gale on November 29, 1905. Boilers salvaged by Reid Wrecking; engine remains at the wreck site.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck remains visible near North Point, Milwaukee. Portions of the APPOMATTOX can still be seen in shallow water, making it a popular site for divers and maritime historians.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck site is a known diving location but poses navigational hazards in shallow water near North Point. Mariners should exercise caution in the area.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Wisconsin Shipwrecks
• Milwaukee Maritime Museum
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The APPOMATTOX stands as a symbol of both the ambition and limitations of wooden shipbuilding at the turn of the 20th century. Her grounding and eventual destruction in 1905 not only ended the career of one of the largest wooden bulk freighters on the Great Lakes but also served as a catalyst for improving maritime safety in the Milwaukee area. Today, the remnants of the APPOMATTOX continue to attract divers and historians, offering a tangible link to the rich shipping history of Lake Michigan. The vessel’s story is a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the evolving technology of maritime navigation.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: APPOMATTOX shipwreck, North Point Milwaukee shipwreck, Lake Michigan bulk freighter, James Davidson shipbuilder, Great Lakes fog shipwreck, SANTIAGO Barge towing
• Categories: Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Wooden Bulk Freighters, Fog-Related Shipwrecks, Milwaukee Maritime History, Great Lakes Navigation Hazards
• Glossary Terms:
  • Bulk Freighter: A vessel designed to transport large quantities of loose cargo, such as coal, grain, or ore, common on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • North Point: A prominent navigational landmark near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known for hazardous waters and the site of several shipwrecks.
  • Reid Wrecking: A well-known salvage company specializing in recovering valuable parts from shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.