Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: BENJ. F. BRUCE (also known as BENJAMIN F. BRUCE)

• Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1873

• Builder: William Crosthwaite, East Saginaw, Michigan

• Material: Wood

• Dimensions:

• Length: 196 feet (59.7 meters)

• Beam: 33.5 feet (10.2 meters)

• Depth: 13.9 feet (4.2 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 729 tons

• Net Tonnage: 693 tons

• Final Disposition: Sank on October 17, 1895, in St. Mary’s River, Lake Huron

• Location: Head of Mud Lake, near Sailor’s Encampment, St. Mary’s River, Lake Huron

Vessel Type Description

The BENJ. F. BRUCE was a robust wooden Schooner specifically designed for the heavy cargo trade on the Great Lakes. Its three-masted rig and sizable Hull made it well-suited for transporting bulk commodities like iron ore, which was vital to the region’s economy. The vessel’s sturdy construction typified the 19th-century wooden schooners that facilitated maritime commerce in the region.

History

Construction and Early Years

Built in 1873 by prominent shipbuilder William Crosthwaite, the BENJ. F. BRUCE was a significant addition to the fleet of Great Lakes vessels. Initially owned by its builder, it changed hands multiple times, with J.C. Gilchrist of Cleveland, Ohio, listed as the owner at the time of its sinking.

Final Voyage

On October 17, 1895, while under tow by the Steamer CUMBERLAND, the BENJ. F. BRUCE carried a heavy load of iron ore through the treacherous waters of the St. Mary’s River. The vessel struck a submerged boulder near Sailor’s Encampment at the head of Mud Lake, resulting in catastrophic Hull damage. The Schooner quickly sank in 30 feet (9.1 meters) of water. Fortunately, no lives were lost.

Aftermath

The wreck posed a navigational hazard in one of the Great Lakes’ busiest waterways. To prevent future incidents, the BENJ. F. BRUCEwas dynamited in 1896, a common practice at the time for removing shipwreck obstructions. The Schooner was valued at $18,000 at the time of its loss—a substantial investment that was deemed a Total Loss. The ship’s final registration in Sandusky, Ohio, was canceled shortly after the incident.

Final Disposition

The BENJ. F. BRUCE was destroyed by dynamiting in 1896. Any remnants of the vessel are likely scattered debris or buried under sediment, making it highly unlikely as a viable dive or exploration site.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the wreck. The site poses no navigation hazard today.

Located By & Date

• The wreck was identified shortly after it sank in 1895, leading to its destruction in 1896.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Due to dynamiting, no significant remains of the Schooner are expected to be intact. The site holds minimal value for exploration or diving activities.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository of Great Lakes shipping and wreck records.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Includes details on the operational history of the BENJ. F. BRUCE.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Keywords

• BENJ. F. BRUCE

• Schooner

• St. Mary’s River Shipwreck

• Lake Huron Shipwreck

• 19th Century Maritime Disasters

• Iron Ore Transport

• Great Lakes Maritime History

Analysis

The BENJ. F. BRUCE exemplifies the challenges faced by schooners navigating narrow, rocky waterways like the St. Mary’s River. The vessel’s role in transporting iron ore underscores the economic importance of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The decision to dynamite the wreck highlights the strategic necessity of maintaining safe navigation routes in one of the region’s critical shipping corridors.

Though little remains of the BENJ. F. BRUCE today, its story serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation and the resilience of the mariners who braved these waters.