Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: JUSTIN R. WHITING, Bessemer

• Type: Wooden Propeller-Driven Barge

• Built: 1875, St. Clair, Michigan

• Builder: Simon Langell

• Dimensions (as JUSTIN R. WHITING):

• Length: 138.2 feet (42.1 meters)

• Beam: 26.2 feet (8 meters)

• Depth: 15.8 feet (4.8 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 458.32 tons

• Reconstruction: 1885, Milwaukee

• Lengthened by 45 feet (13.7 meters) and widened by 3 feet (0.9 meters).

• Reconfigured as a package freighter with passenger cabins.

• Final Location: Near the Portage Lake Ship Canal, Lake Superior

• Date of Wreck: October 5, 1889

Vessel Type Description

The JUSTIN R. WHITING, later known as the Bessemer, represents the adaptability of Great Lakes propellers during the 19th century. Originally designed as a wooden Barge, its reconstruction in 1885 allowed it to meet new shipping demands, combining cargo transport with passenger accommodations. These vessels were integral to the economic and industrial growth of the region, particularly in the iron ore trade.

History

The JUSTIN R. WHITING was built in 1875, owned initially by Simon Langell and partners. The vessel served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, towing barges like the Guiding Star and David Vance while transporting iron ore and other commodities.

In 1885, the ship underwent significant modifications in Milwaukee. Renamed the Bessemer, it emerged as a larger and more versatile freighter, catering to both goods and passengers. Its robust design enabled it to endure the harsh conditions of Lake Superior, though it suffered ice damage in 1887.

The vessel’s career came to a tragic end on October 5, 1889. While navigating a fierce storm near the Portage Lake Ship Canal, the Bessemer and its consort, the Schuylkill, collided and ran aground on a reef. Despite the violent conditions, all 19 crew members escaped by jumping onto the Breakwater.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Bessemer obstructed the Portage Lake Ship Canal for nearly a year. In the autumn of 1890, dynamite was used to clear the debris. The ship’s destruction underscores the perils of maritime travel on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Bessemer were largely destroyed during efforts to clear the canal. Any surviving debris is fragmented and not considered accessible for exploration or research.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed historical data on the JUSTIN R. WHITING/Bessemer.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website

• Historical Photo: Image of the Bessemer

• Portage Lake Canal Shipwreck Archive: Local shipwreck records and stories.

Keywords

JUSTIN R. WHITING, Bessemer, Wooden Propeller Vessel, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Lake Superior, Portage Lake Ship Canal, 1889 Wreck, Maritime History, Iron Ore Trade.

Conclusion

The story of the JUSTIN R. WHITING and its transformation into the Bessemer highlights the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th century. These vessels were not only essential to the economy but also symbols of the ingenuity and resilience of the era. Though its life ended in tragedy, the Bessemer remains a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Superior.