Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: CONGRESS (formerly Detroit)

• Type: Steam Propeller Freighter

• Year Built: 1861

• Builder: Peck & Masters, Cleveland, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 138 feet (42 meters)

• Beam (Width): 25 feet (7.6 meters)

• Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

• Final Incident Date: October 26, 1868

• Final Location: Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron

• Depth: Shallow waters; vessel burned to the waterline and broke apart.

Vessel Type Description

The CONGRESS, originally constructed as the Detroit, was a wooden steam propeller freighter designed to transport bulk cargo on the Great Lakes. In its later years, the vessel embraced groundbreaking technology, becoming the first Great Lakes vessel to utilize oil-burning propulsion in 1866. Its sturdy construction and versatility made it a vital asset for both commercial and military operations during its operational years.

History

Construction and Early Career:

The Detroit was launched in 1861 by Peck & Masters, built to serve the booming Great Lakes trade. Owned initially by S.L. McKnight et al. of Detroit, the vessel transported freight and cargo between ports, playing a crucial role in the regional economy.

Service During the Civil War:

In the early 1860s, the vessel was chartered by the U.S. Quartermaster Department to support Union efforts during the American Civil War. This period marked its contribution to wartime logistics, earning a place in maritime history as a war-support vessel.

Innovations and Renaming:

In 1866, the vessel was renamed CONGRESS and retrofitted with oil-burning technology, a pioneering development in maritime propulsion. This innovation allowed for cleaner and more efficient energy use, setting a precedent for future advancements in shipbuilding on the Great Lakes.

Final Incident: October 26, 1868

The CONGRESS met its tragic fate in a series of unfortunate events near Thunder Bay Island on Lake Huron:

1. Grounding at Black River Island:

Initially stranded near Black River Island during heavy weather, the vessel managed to free itself but was severely compromised.

2. Second Stranding and Fire:

Attempting to reach safety near Thunder Bay Island, the CONGRESS ran aground once more. During this time, a fire broke out aboard the vessel, quickly consuming the wooden structure.

3. Breakup in Heavy Weather:

Following the fire, the vessel broke apart in rough waters. The loss was deemed total, though no lives were lost, a testament to the crew’s resilience and emergency measures.

Legacy and Historical Speculation

The loss of the CONGRESS in 1868 marked the end of its official career, but historical records hint at potential recovery and subsequent incidents in 1873 or 1893. These conflicting accounts reflect the uncertainties of maritime record-keeping during the era. Whether or not the vessel met additional fates, its contribution to Great Lakes shipping and innovation remains a significant chapter in maritime history.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the CONGRESS was left scattered in the shallow waters near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron. Burned to the waterline and broken apart, the vessel’s remains were unrecoverable, though some artifacts may still lie buried beneath the lakebed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The precise condition of the CONGRESS wreck is unclear due to its destruction by fire and subsequent breakup. Any remaining portions of the Hull or machinery may be deeply buried or scattered along the lakebed. The area is now part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects numerous Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Historical Significance

The CONGRESS represents a critical phase in Great Lakes maritime history, from its service during the Civil War to its groundbreaking adoption of oil-burning propulsion. Its story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters and the ingenuity of 19th-century shipbuilders.

Resources & Links

• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Provides information on shipwrecks and maritime history in the area.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archives detailing the CONGRESS and other notable vessels.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: Repository of Great Lakes shipwreck records and artifacts.

Keywords

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