Identification & Site Information:

• • Name(s): City of St. Joseph (aka City of Chicago)
• • Registry: US
• • Official Number: 126627
• • Vessel Type: Barge
• • Year Built: 1890
• • Year Sank: 1942
• • Hull Material: Steel
• • Engines: None

Dimensions:

• • Length: 211.5 ft (64.45 m)
• • Width: 34 ft (10.36 m)
• • Depth: 15 ft (4.57 m)

Vessel History:

The City of St. Joseph, later known as the City of Chicago, was a steel Barge constructed in 1890. Initially designed for freight transportation, the Barge had a long operational history on the Great Lakes before its sinking in 1942. Despite its simple construction and lack of propulsion engines, it was a reliable vessel for its era. The circumstances surrounding its sinking involve possible abandonment or damage, but specific details are less documented. For a comprehensive history, visit the following resources:

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Keweenaw Underwater Preserve Information

• Bowling Green State University Database.

Wreck Site Information:

• Location: Lake Superior

• State/Province: Michigan

• Depth: 35 ft (10.67 m)

• GPS Coordinates: 47° 28.176′ N, 088° 06.538′ W

• Site Description:

The wreck lies relatively shallow at 35 ft, making it an accessible dive site. Key features include:

• Flattened steel Hull, primarily broken into large pieces.

• Intact Forecastle and aft decks.

• A worm gear-driven Windlass at the bow.

• Rudder post and steering quadrant aft.

• Several scattered winches or winch components.

• Anchor Chain extending into the distance, though the anchor itself is buried.

• Several bitts on the aft Deck and the hawse pipe located on the Forecastle Deck.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

This site is suitable for recreational diving due to its shallow depth. However, Visibility and water temperature conditions typical of Lake Superior should be considered, and care should be taken around the wreckage due to sharp metal edges.

Resources & Links:

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Keweenaw Underwater Preserve
• BGSU Maritime Database
• 3D Shipwrecks – City of St Joesph

3D Model – City of St Joesph

Keywords:

City of St. Joseph, City of Chicago, Barge, Lake Superior, Steel Hull, Shipwreck, Keweenaw Underwater Preserve, Michigan.

For detailed mapping and planning, input the provided GPS coordinates into a navigation tool or Google Maps to view the precise wreck location. Divers should confirm conditions with local operators before planning their visit.