Identification & Site Information

• Name: SCHOOLCRAFT
• Type: Propeller Steam Screw Vessel
• Built: 1884
• Builder: Linn & Craig
• Location of Build: Trenton, Michigan
• Dimensions:
  • • Length: 54.9 m (180 feet)
  • • Beam: 10.4 m (34 feet)
  • • Depth: 4.3 m (14 feet)
• • Tonnage:
  • Gross: 745 tons
  • Net: 595 tons
• Final Location: Brackey Bay, Wolfe Island, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: Latitude 44°13’59.1”N, Longitude 76°12’08.8”W
• Date of Wreck: December 3, 1920

Vessel Type Description

The SCHOOLCRAFT was a robust propeller Steam Screw Vessel built for the Great Lakes’ demanding shipping trade. Designed to carry 700,000 board feet of lumber, it played a pivotal role in the lumber industry before transitioning to coal transport. The vessel was powered by a For-and-Aft Compound engine with 500 horsepower at 80 rpm, ensuring reliability and efficiency. Its adaptability to different cargo types marked it as an essential asset in a rapidly evolving maritime industry.

History

The SCHOOLCRAFT was launched in 1884 and initially served the bustling Great Lakes lumber trade under the ownership of John C. Fitzpatrick and Cleveland investors. In 1887, Thomas Nester acquired the vessel, and by 1910, the Nester Lumber Company had made it a cornerstone of their operations. During this period, the ship underwent several upgrades, including the installation of a new steam scotch boiler in 1895.

The vessel’s career was eventful:

• 1910 Collision: On August 18, 1910, the SCHOOLCRAFT collided with the Steamer AMAZON on Lake St. Clair. It sank in shallow waters but was later raised and repaired, showcasing its resilience and economic value.
• Final Tragedy: On December 3, 1920, the vessel caught fire while navigating Lake Ontario. The crew managed to beach it at Wolfe Island, escaping safely, but the fire destroyed the ship. The burned Hull was Abandoned in Brackey Bay, ending its 36 years of service.

Final Disposition

The remains of the SCHOOLCRAFT rest in Brackey Bay, Wolfe Island, submerged in approximately 4.6 m (15 feet) of water. The fire that consumed the vessel left its wreck in poor condition, with the lower Hull sections likely remaining. The site is accessible to divers, though the wreckage is expected to be sparse.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in shallow water, making it accessible to divers. However, its condition is poor due to destruction by fire and decades of submersion. Only parts of the lower Hull and structural remnants may still exist. The site offers limited exploration opportunities but holds historical value.

Resources & Links

• Buffalo Evening News (August 19, 1910): “Ships in Collision; Schoolcraft Sunk.”
• Saginaw Courier-Herald (October 28, 1890): “Marine City Incident.”
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Schoolcraft History and Final Disposition
• Bowling Green State University Database: Historic Vessels of the Great Lakes
• YouTube: WheelsupBaumsaway Channel

YouTube Video SLD

Keywords

#SCHOOLCRAFT, #Propeller Steam Screw Vessel #Great Lakes Shipwreck #Wolfe Island Wreck #Brackey Bay #1920 Fire #Great Lakes Maritime History