The Tragic Loss of the CHARLES H. BRADLEY

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: CHARLES H. BRADLEY

• Type: Wooden Steambarge

• Official Number: 126653

• Year Built: 1890

• Builder: F. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 201 feet (61.3 meters)

• Beam: 37 feet (11.3 meters)

• Depth: 13.6 feet (4.1 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 804.11 tons

• Net: 624.35 tons

• Owners: Charles H. Bradley Lumber Company, Bay City, Michigan

• Wreck Location: Portage Lake, Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior

• Coordinates: Not precisely documented

• Wreck Depth: 6 to 17 feet (1.8 to 5.2 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHARLES H. BRADLEY was a wooden steambarge built for transporting bulk freight, primarily pulpwood, a critical commodity for the lumber industry of the Great Lakes region. Its design included three masts and a diagonal strapping system for added Hull strength, as well as a steel boilerhouse and an ice-sheathed bow to withstand harsh conditions. Propelled by a compound steam engine driving a screw propeller, the vessel reflected the rugged, utilitarian nature of late 19th-century Great Lakes freighters.

HISTORY

Built in 1890 by F. Wheeler & Co., the CHARLES H. BRADLEY served as a workhorse for the Charles H. Bradley Lumber Company. The steambarge was integral to the transport of pulpwood and other bulk materials, navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes with its reinforced Hull and robust propulsion system.

On October 9, 1931, the vessel was towing the Barge GRAMPIAN through Portage Lake near the Keweenaw Peninsula. Tragedy struck when the CHARLES H. BRADLEY ran aground on a bar at the mouth of the Sturgeon River. The grounded vessel was then struck by the GRAMPIAN, triggering a catastrophic fire. Flames quickly engulfed the steambarge, burning it to the waterline and leaving it a Total Loss.

Despite the severity of the incident, all 14 people aboard escaped without injury—a remarkable outcome given the rapid escalation of events.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the CHARLES H. BRADLEY lies in Portage Lake, with remains scattered across a depth range of 6 to 17 feet. The site is near the mouth of the Sturgeon River at the southern end of Portage Lake. The wreck is partially submerged and heavily deteriorated, but it remains accessible for divers and maritime history enthusiasts.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the CHARLES H. BRADLEY. The shallow depth and location near the river mouth make the wreck site a potential navigational consideration for small craft in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck site has been well-documented since the vessel’s loss in 1931. Its location near the Sturgeon River in shallow water has made it relatively easy to identify and observe over the years.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The CHARLES H. BRADLEY rests in a state of advanced deterioration, consistent with its wooden construction and the damage sustained in the fire. However, the wreck’s shallow depth makes it accessible for divers, snorkelers, and researchers interested in studying Great Lakes maritime history. Visibility and accessibility may vary depending on water and weather conditions in the Portage Lake area.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A detailed resource on shipwrecks, including the CHARLES H. BRADLEY.

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

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Archival information on vessels like the CHARLES H. BRADLEY.

• Bowling Green State University: Repository of historical records on Great Lakes maritime history.

KEYWORDS

• CHARLES H. BRADLEY steambarge

• Portage Lake shipwreck

• Keweenaw Peninsula shipwreck

• Lake Superior maritime history

• Great Lakes pulpwood trade

• Wooden steambarge fire

CONCLUSION

The CHARLES H. BRADLEY symbolizes the hard-working vessels that powered the Great Lakes’ industrial and economic growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its destruction in 1931, caused by grounding, collision, and fire, highlights the dangers faced by mariners operating in these challenging waters. The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the region’s rich maritime history and the resilience of those who worked on the Great Lakes. Today, the site serves as a historical point of interest for those seeking to connect with the legacy of Great Lakes shipping.