General Information

• Type: Propeller Steamer
• Length: 181 feet (55.2 meters)
• Beam: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
• Depth: 16 feet (4.9 meters)
• Construction Year: 1878
• Construction Location: Unknown
• Registry: Enrolled at Port Huron, Michigan
• LORAN Coordinates: 43795.9 / 56975.1
• Current Coordinates: Latitude 41° 56.903′ N, Longitude 82° 53.678′ W
• Resting Depth: Approximately 30 feet (9.1 meters)

Operational History

• Primary Roles:

• Freight transportation on Lake Erie

• Chartered by the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway Co.

• Routes included Toledo, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York.

• Ownership Changes: The Steamer passed through multiple owners during its operational lifespan.

Key Events

1. Launched (1878): The GRAND TRAVERSE began its service with significant roles in the regional shipping industry.

2. Incidents: Experienced multiple groundings and operational challenges across the Great Lakes.

3. Sinking (1896): Sank near Colchester Reef, Lake Erie, under unknown circumstances. The wreck became a navigational hazard.

4. Salvage Operations (1897): Acquired by the Pfohl Brothers of Buffalo, who salvaged all removable machinery and items.

5. Dynamited: The wreck was partially demolished to address concerns over navigation safety.

Wreck Details

• The wreck’s proximity to shipping lanes raised concerns for captains navigating near Colchester Reef.

• Reports suggest that the wreck may have shifted after being struck by passing vessels, adding to navigation risks.

Salvage Proposals:

• The Lackawanna Transportation Co. announced plans to raise the wreck.

• Sealed bids for salvage rights were invited until November 2, with a formal bid opening in Buffalo.

Channel and Obstruction Management:

• Canadian government dredging efforts in nearby Amherstburg removed large boulders and smoothed channel obstructions.

• Additional maintenance was undertaken at Ballard’s Reef to prevent future incidents.

Theories on Collision Site

• Capt. Thomas Jones of the IROQUOIS posited that the actual obstruction lay at Little’s Point, about two miles above Colchester Reef Light. This theory suggests the Grand Traverse may no longer pose a navigational threat in its original location.

Legacy

The Grand Traverse highlights the challenges of maintaining navigable waterways in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. From its role as a workhorse of commerce to its eventual demise and subsequent salvage efforts, the Steamer’s story is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of maritime operations of the era.

References & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships

The Grand Traverse remains a significant chapter in the annals of Lake Erie’s maritime history, illustrating the risks and rewards of shipping during a transformative period in Great Lakes navigation.