Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: SS Benjamin Noble

• Type: Lake Freighter / Steel Steambarge

• Year Built: 1909

• Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Company, Detroit, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 239 feet (72.8 meters)

• Beam: 40 feet (12.2 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 1,481 tons

• Owner: Capitol Transportation Co., Detroit, Michigan

• Final Voyage: April 27, 1914

• Location: Near Knife Island, Lake Superior, Minnesota, USA

• Coordinates: Approximately 8 miles off Knife Island

• Depth: 365 feet (111 meters)

• NRHP Site Number: #07000984

Vessel Type Description

The Benjamin Noble was initially designed as a “canaller,” a vessel type tailored to the dimensions of the Welland Canal. Its Conversion for open-water operations expanded its role to include the transport of bulk cargo such as pulpwood, coal, lumber, and steel rails across the Great Lakes. Its robust steel construction allowed for substantial cargo loads, but its design proved susceptible to instability when overloaded, as demonstrated during its fateful final voyage.

History

Construction and Service

The SS Benjamin Noble was constructed in 1909 by the Detroit Shipbuilding Company. It was the sole vessel of its type in the Capitol Transportation Co. fleet. Its design made it versatile, operating through the locks of the Welland Canal and navigating open waters. Over the years, it became a reliable workhorse for transporting bulk materials, crucial to the industries surrounding the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage and Sinking

On April 27, 1914, the Benjamin Noble departed Conneaut, Ohio, carrying a heavy cargo of 2,951 tons of steel rails destined for Duluth, Minnesota. The voyage was fraught with danger as the ship encountered a severe storm near Knife Island on Lake Superior.

The vessel’s heavy cargo made it top-heavy, exacerbating its vulnerability to the storm’s powerful winds and waves. Overwhelmed by the conditions, the Benjamin Noble Foundered near Knife River, Minnesota, sinking with all hands. Of the estimated 16 crew members, only 10 names are known. Tragically, no bodies were recovered.

The ship’s loss became one of Lake Superior’s many maritime mysteries, with its exact location unknown for nearly a century.

Rediscovery

In autumn 2004, the wreck of the SS Benjamin Noble was located approximately 8 miles off Knife Island at a depth of 365 feet. The ship was remarkably well-preserved, with much of its structure, equipment, and cargo intact. Artifacts discovered included lifeboats, a bell, and the steel rails that contributed to its downfall. The cold, dark waters of Lake Superior had acted as a natural preservative, offering a rare glimpse into early 20th-century maritime life.

Significance and Legacy

In 2007, the wreck was recognized for its historical importance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP site #07000984). This designation highlighted the vessel’s role in Great Lakes commerce and the enduring human cost of maritime trade.

The Benjamin Noble serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners. Its story sheds light on the challenges of transporting heavy cargoes in unpredictable weather, emphasizing the courage of those who braved the inland seas.

Final Disposition

The Benjamin Noble sank on April 27, 1914, and remained undisturbed for over 90 years. The wreck lies at a depth of 365 feet, preserved in the frigid waters of Lake Superior. While its location is known, the site is primarily of historical and archaeological interest.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: The wreck is not a navigational hazard and is primarily a protected archaeological site.

• Advisory: Divers require advanced technical skills to explore the site due to its depth and cold water.

Resources & Links

• National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): Benjamin Noble – NRHP Listing

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive resource on regional shipwrecks and maritime history.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Provides historical context and details about the Benjamin Noble and other wrecks in Lake Superior.

Keywords

• Benjamin Noble

• Lake Superior Shipwrecks

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Steel Steambarge

• Knife Island Shipwreck

• National Register of Historic Places

Conclusion

The SS Benjamin Noble is a poignant symbol of the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage. Its tragic loss in 1914 highlights the risks of navigating the inland seas, particularly during unpredictable storms. The rediscovery of the wreck in 2004 provided invaluable insights into early 20th-century shipbuilding and maritime operations. Recognized for its historical significance, the Benjamin Noble continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts, serving as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Great Lakes mariners.