Shipwreck Report: General Taylor (1848, Wooden Propeller Steamer)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: General Taylor
• Year Built: 1848
• Vessel Type: Propeller-driven wooden Steamship
• Hull Material: Wood
• Builder: F.N. Jones, Buffalo, New York
• Original Owner: Asa Hart et al, Buffalo, New York
• Specifications Length: 172 feet 8 inches (52.6 metres) Beam: 25 feet 8 inches (7.82 metres)Depth: 10 feet 10 inches (3.3 metres)
• Tonnage (Old Style): 462 91/95 tons
• Propulsion: Screw-driven steam engine

Service History

Launched in 1848, the General Taylor was built for service in the grain trade between Buffalo, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. It was one of the earlier propeller-driven vessels on the Great Lakes, offering greater efficiency and power compared to traditional paddle steamers.

Operational Timeline and Incidents

• 1849 (March):  Heavily damaged during the Chicago flood, a major disaster that caused widespread damage to docks and ships in the city.
• 1850:  Operated routes between Buffalo, Beaver Island (Michigan), and Chicago.
• 1853 (August): Chartered by the Sault Ste. Marie Canal Company for service between Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie, supporting trade to Lake Superior ports.
• 1854 (April 5):  Ran aground near Dunkirk, New York, but was successfully lightered (cargo offloaded) and freed.
• 1856 (June): Collided with the Schooner Hubbard on Lake Erie, suffering significant damage and requiring towing to Detroit for repairs.
• 1857 (September): Suffered a damaged boiler and was towed to Detroit for extensive repairs.
• 1858 (November): Collided with the Brig Concord, sustaining heavy damage. Cargo was transferred to the Lady Elgin at Sault Ste. Marie.
• 1860 (November): Damaged during a gale off Tawas, Michigan on Lake Huron. The smoke stack was blown overboard, and steam pipes burst, rendering the ship powerless. It was towed to safety in the St. Clair River by the Tug Clinton.

Final Voyage and Wreck

• Date of Loss: October 18, 1862
• Location: Sleeping Bear Point, Michigan, Lake Michigan
• Cargo: Flour and general merchandise
• Cause: The General Taylor encountered a severe storm on Lake Michigan and was driven ashore at Sleeping Bear Point.
• Outcome: The vessel was wrecked beyond salvage, but no loss of life was reported.

Legacy and Historical Significance

• Pioneer of Propeller Steamers The General Taylor was among the earlier propeller-driven vessels on the Great Lakes, marking a technological shift from paddle wheels to Screw Propulsion, which provided better maneuverability and efficiency.
• Service in a Dynamic Era Its career reflected the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, with frequent collisions, groundings, and weather-related damage, showcasing the dangers of early maritime commerce.
• Tragic Yet Fortunate End Despite its ultimate loss in 1862, the lack of fatalities during its final voyage was notable, given the often-deadly nature of storms on Lake Michigan.

Research Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca A valuable repository for records of Great Lakes vessels, including the General Taylor.
• National Archives U.S. vessel enrollment records may provide additional details on the General Taylor’s ownership and routes.
• Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit Houses collections of Great Lakes vessel records, including the William MacDonald Collection.
• Dive Potential The wreck of the General Taylor at Sleeping Bear Point remains undocumented and may be a target for maritime archaeologists or divers seeking to locate early propeller-driven steamships.

Conclusion

The General Taylor, a wooden Propeller Steamer launched in 1848, endured a storied career on the Great Lakes, marked by collisions, storms, and mechanical challenges. Its loss in 1862 near Sleeping Bear Point reflects both the dangers of early Great Lakes navigation and the resilience of its crew. As one of the pioneering vessels of the propeller-driven era, the General Taylor played a significant role in shaping the maritime history of the region. Further research and potential discovery of its wreck would provide valuable insights into 19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes.