Identification & Site Information

• Name: Hiawatha
• Former Names: None recorded
• Registration Number(s): C72982
• Date Built and Launched: 1874, in Dresden, Ontario
• Builder: Henry Weston, under the supervision of master carpenter Joseph A. Jenkins
• Measurements (Pre-Rebuild):
• Length: 92.7 ft (28.24 m)
• Beam: 20 ft (6.10 m)
• Depth: 7.2 ft (2.19 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 162.62
• Net Tonnage: 110.58
• Date Lost, Destroyed, or Abandoned: Abandoned in October 1932, Little Current, Ontario

Vessel Type

The Hiawatha was a wooden-hulled Ferry with two decks, originally constructed as a single-screw steam Ferry powered by a high-pressure engine. It was later Rebuilt and modified multiple times during its operational lifetime.

Description

The Hiawatha was a medium-sized Ferry intended for passenger and cargo transport along rivers and across the Great Lakes. It featured a wooden Hull with two decks and was initially fitted with a Farrar & Trefts high-pressure engine from Buffalo, New York, capable of generating 150 horsepower. After rebuilds and modifications, its engine capacity increased to 280 horsepower by 1899.

The Ferry served numerous routes, connecting Dresden, Sarnia, Port Huron, and surrounding areas. It also hosted excursions to regional destinations like Point Edward, Goderich, and Lexington. The Hiawatha underwent major overhauls during its lifetime, including structural rebuilds and boiler replacements.

History

The Hiawatha was launched in October 1874 by W.B. Clark of Sarnia, initially operating on the Sydenham River. In 1875, the Ferry expanded its operations to run between Sarnia and Wallaceburg in partnership with the J.C. Clark. In 1876, the Hiawatha underwent its first Rebuild, increasing its dimensions slightly and improving its Gross Tonnage.

Between 1881 and 1899, the Hiawatha served as a Ferry between Sarnia and Port Huron, Michigan under the ownership of Sarnia Tug & Transportation Co., Ltd. Despite suffering a major fire in 1887, it was Rebuilt and enlarged in Sarnia, continuing operations.

Throughout the 1890s, the vessel underwent significant modifications, including repairs at Phoenix Iron Works and a new Firebox Boilerinstallation in 1893. It received a new engine in 1899, enhancing its horsepower and efficiency.

By the early 20th century, the Hiawatha faced operational challenges, including a grounding incident near Stag Island in 1906 and an explosion in 1922. Despite repairs, the Ferry’s role diminished, and it was beached on Low Island in 1924 before being placed in reserve in 1925.

In 1930, the Ferry resumed operations between Little Current and La Cloche Island under the ownership of Norman Trotter. However, by October 1932, the Hiawatha was Abandoned at Red Mill Point, Little Current, after earlier repairs failed to restore it to full service.

Final Dispositions

The Hiawatha’s remains lie Abandoned near Little Current, Ontario, at N46 14.724, W083 31.844. The site is in 30 feet of freshwater (10 m), making it accessible to divers. Despite its deteriorated condition, portions of the Hull and machinery may still be identifiable.

Located By & Date Found

• Location: Little Current, Ontario, North Channel of Lake Huron
• Discovery Date: Well-known locally; no specific rediscovery date noted

NOTMARs & Advisories

• The wreck lies in 30 feet (10 m) of water near Little Current. While the site is not hazardous to navigation, divers should approach with caution due to potential sharp debris and silty conditions.

Resources & Links

• Historical information on the Hiawatha: Great Lakes Ships Database
• General Great Lakes wreck history: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• www.sonarguy.com and dive exploration: SonarGuy

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Hiawatha, Lake Huron shipwrecks, Great Lakes ferries, wooden-hulled steamers

Categories: Maritime History, Shipwreck Archaeology, Great Lakes Transportation

Glossary Terms:

Beam: The width of a vessel at its widest point.

Gross Tonnage: The total internal volume of a ship, used as a measure of size.

High-Pressure Engine: A type of steam engine operating at high pressure to improve efficiency.

Phoenix Iron Works: A significant ship repair facility in Port Huron, Michigan.

Beached: Intentionally grounded or Abandoned on a shoreline.