Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type Description

The James Pickands was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter designed for transporting large quantities of cargo such as iron ore. With its robust construction and significant carrying capacity, it played a vital role in the bustling industrial trade of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.

Construction and Ownership (1886):

The James Pickands was launched in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 22, 1886, and entered service shortly thereafter. Owned by a consortium that included J.W. Moore, Thomas Fitzpatrick, James Pickands, A.R. Manning, and William H. Quayle, the vessel was part of the expanding fleet of bulk freighters crucial to the region’s growing iron and steel industries.

First Major Incident (1889):

Date: July 13, 1889 Location: Off Grand Island, Lake Superior

Details: The James Pickands collided with the Steamer Smith Moore, causing the latter to sink. The incident highlighted the challenges of navigating crowded waterways during the height of Great Lakes trade.

Final Voyage and Wreck (1894): Date: September 22, 1894 Location: Sawtooth Reef, off Eagle River, Lake Superior Details: While en route from Duluth, Minnesota, to South Chicago, Illinois, with a cargo of iron ore, the James Pickands ran aground on Sawtooth Reef. Poor Visibility caused by the haze of forest fires along the shore contributed to the accident.

Outcome: Although the ship was wrecked beyond recovery, there were no lives lost, a testament to the crew’s preparedness and quick action.

Decommissioning:

After the wreck, the enrollment of the James Pickands was officially surrendered on April 27, 1895, marking the end of its service.

The James Pickands had a relatively short but impactful career on the Great Lakes. Its involvement in the collision with the Smith Mooreand its tragic grounding on Sawtooth Reef are reminders of the perils faced by 19th-century mariners navigating these vast inland seas. The wreck serves as a historical artifact, shedding light on the challenges of Great Lakes shipping during a critical period of industrial growth.

Key Events Timeline

Conclusion

The story of the James Pickands is emblematic of the robust yet risky nature of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Despite its short operational life, the freighter contributed to the vital iron ore trade and faced the region’s unique navigational challenges. Its wreck at Sawtooth Reef remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of Great Lakes commerce during this transformative era in North American industry.

Links and Resources

3D Model – James Pickands

James Pickands by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab