Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): New Orleans
• Registry: U.S.
• Vessel Type: Wooden Steamer
• Year Built: Not documented
• Year Sank: 1885
• Hull Material: Wood

Vessel History

The New Orleans was a wooden Steamer operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Vessels like the New Orleans were critical to the transportation of goods, passengers, and raw materials across the expanding industrial region.

In 1885, the New Orleans sank in the waters off Thunder Bay, Michigan, an area now encompassed by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The exact circumstances of the sinking are not well-documented, but it is consistent with the region’s history of shipwrecks caused by sudden storms, navigational errors, or mechanical failures.

Wreck Site Information

• Location: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Lake Huron

• Depth: Not documented

• Discovery: The wreck of the New Orleans is part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a region rich in maritime heritage with over 100 identified wrecks.

Site Description:

While detailed specifics of the New Orleans wreck are not readily available, its inclusion in the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuaryhighlights its historical importance. Like other wrecks in the sanctuary, the New Orleans is likely well-preserved, protected by Lake Huron’s cold, fresh waters.

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The sanctuary, located near Alpena, Michigan, is often referred to as the “Shipwreck Alley” of the Great Lakes. This 4,300-square-mile underwater preserve protects and studies dozens of historically significant wrecks, spanning from the 19th century to the present day. The New Orleans is one of many vessels that highlight the diversity of Great Lakes maritime history.

Diving Notes & Preservation

• Access:

The Thunder Bay wrecks are accessible to divers and are actively studied by archaeologists. Some sites are shallow and ideal for snorkeling, while others, like the New Orleans, may require advanced diving certifications.

• Preservation Status:

Protected under the sanctuary’s guidelines, divers are prohibited from disturbing or removing artifacts from any wrecks within the sanctuary.

Site Significance

The New Orleans is a representation of the dynamic history of Great Lakes commerce and the challenges faced by mariners in the 19th century. Its location within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary ensures its protection and continued study, offering insights into ship design, cargo transport, and life on the lakes during its operational period.

Keywords:

New Orleans shipwreck, Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary, Lake Huron shipwrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, wooden Steamer, protected wreck sites.

3D Model

New Orleans (1885) by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab