Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Monarch

• Vessel Type: Wooden Package Freighter

• Built: June 26, 1890, in Sarnia, Ontario

• Builder: Northwest Transportation Company (Beatty Line)

• Dimensions:

• Length: 240 feet (73.2 m)

• Beam: 35 feet (10.7 m)

• Final Resting Place: Blake Point, Isle Royale, Lake Superior

• Coordinates: N48° 11.334’, W88° 25.957’

• Depth Range: 10 to 80 feet (3 to 24 m)

Vessel Type Description

The Monarch was a wooden propeller-driven package freighter, designed for both passenger and freight services. Its robust structure and 62 staterooms highlighted its dual purpose of offering passenger comfort while handling cargo. This versatile design made it an integral part of trade routes in the Great Lakes, connecting key ports like Sarnia, Port Arthur, and Fort William.

History

Launch and Early Service (1890):

The Monarch was launched in 1890 at a cost of approximately $200,000, a considerable investment at the time. Alongside its sister ship, the United Empire, it was a vital component of the Northwest Transportation Company’s operations, facilitating passenger and freight transport across Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Notable Incidents:

• August 8, 1892: Ran aground in the river between Fort William and Port Arthur.

• October 25, 1893: Suffered rudder quadrant failure during a gale on Lake Huron.

• November 27, 1896: Struck the Sargent Coal Dock in Duluth, Minnesota.

• October 4, 1898: Collided with the Steamer Mahoning in Duluth Harbor.

Final Voyage and Sinking (December 6, 1906):

On its final trip of the season, the Monarch departed Port Arthur, heading into a severe snowstorm. By 9 PM, it struck Blake Point on Isle Royale. The impact caused severe damage, and one crew member was tragically lost when a line parted. The ship broke apart under relentless pounding from the storm, with only the pilot house remaining above water.

The 30 crew members and 10 passengers managed to abandon the ship, enduring harsh conditions on the rocky shore of Isle Royale. After lighting a bonfire, they attracted the attention of the Passage Island lighthouse keeper. Despite heavy surf, the lighthouse keeper and Purser Beaumont reached Port Arthur with news of the disaster. The tugs Whalen and Laura Grave brought provisions and rescued the survivors.

Final Resting Place

The Monarch slipped into deep water at Blake Point and remains there to this day. The wreck lies within Isle Royale National Park, a protected area known for its underwater archaeological sites.

Dive Site Description

The Monarch is a popular dive site, resting in depths ranging from 10 to 80 feet (3 to 24 m). Although the ship’s sides have broken away, the Hull structure and arches provide a unique look into late 19th-century shipbuilding techniques. Key highlights include:

• Artifacts: Divers can explore remnants such as an anchor, a bathtub, a stove, china, and bottles of wheat samples.

• Historical Insights: The wreck offers a tangible connection to the ship’s past and its role in Great Lakes commerce.

Legacy

The Monarch’s story is one of resilience and survival, highlighting both the challenges of Great Lakes navigation and the bravery of those who faced its perils. Its wreck serves as a historical and recreational treasure, preserving a slice of maritime history beneath the waves of Lake Superior.

Resources and References

• Isle Royale National Park: Dive permits and site information.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Detailed records of the Monarch’s operational history.

• Royal Ontario Museum Collections: Archival materials on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Monarch exemplifies the dual role of Great Lakes freighters as lifelines for trade and transportation. Despite its tragic end, the vessel’s wreckage continues to captivate divers and historians, offering both a window into the past and an unforgettable underwater experience. Its enduring presence at Isle Royale is a testament to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.