Propeller Horace A. Tuttle (1887–1898)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Horace A. Tuttle
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 95908
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden bulk freight propeller
• Builder: G. Presley, Cleveland, Ohio
• Year Built & Launched: 1887
• Specifications: Length: 250 ft (76.2 m) Beam: 39 ft (11.9 m) Depth: 20 ft (6.1 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,585 GT Net Tonnage: 1,355 NT
• Date Lost: October 26, 1898
• Location of Loss: Near Michigan City, Indiana, Lake Michigan
• Cause of Loss: Storm, rudder failure, structural break-up
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Corn

Vessel Description & Service History

The Horace A. Tuttle was a large wooden bulk freighter, constructed in 1887 in Cleveland, Ohio, by G. Presley.

As part of the Great Lakes bulk freight fleet, she primarily carried grain, coal, and other cargoes across the lakes. By the late 19th century, wooden steamers like Tuttle were increasingly being replaced by larger steel-hulled freighters, but she remained in service, operating on routes between Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Final Voyage & Loss

On October 26, 1898, the Horace A. Tuttle was departing Michigan City, Indiana, loaded with corn, when she was caught in a violent gale on Lake Michigan. During the storm, her rudder failed, leaving her uncontrollable. The winds and waves quickly overwhelmed the vessel, forcing her against the harbour entrance. She broke in two and Foundered, blocking the harbour entrance and becoming a serious obstruction to navigation. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the crew was able to escape safely. Local shippers and harbour officials petitioned the U.S. government to remove the wreck, as it posed a major hazard to vessels trying to enter Michigan City Harbor.

Final Disposition & Salvage

Engines and boilers were later salvaged. The wreckage was removed over time to clear the harbour entrance. No known remains exist today.

Located By & Date Found

No confirmed modern discovery of wreckage.  Given the wreck’s location in a navigational channel, it was likely dismantled and cleared soon after the loss.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Horace A. Tuttle was one of many wooden bulk freighters lost in Great Lakes storms, highlighting the challenges faced by 19th-century shipping. Though no lives were lost, her destruction in Michigan City’s harbor entrance caused a major obstruction, leading to government-ordered salvage operations. Today, no known wreckage remains, but her loss remains a significant event in the maritime history of Michigan City, Indiana.