Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: MINNEDOSA

Vessel Type: Schooner Barge

Gross Tonnage: 1,081.44 tons

Register Tonnage: 1,041.38 tons

Dimensions: 245.0 feet (length between perpendiculars), 250.0 feet (overall length)

Capacity: 90,000 bushels

Built: April 26, 1890

Builder: James Roney, Place d’Armes Shipyard, Kingston, Ontario

Final Location: Lake Huron, approximately 2.5 miles off Harbor Beach, Michigan

Depth of Wreck: Exact depth unspecified

GPS Coordinates: Approx. 43°50.5′N, 82°39.7′W

Vessel Type Description

The MINNEDOSA was a robust and heavily built Schooner Barge, featuring four masts and a steel-reinforced wooden Hull. Designed to endure the rigorous demands of the grain trade on the Great Lakes, the Barge had a capacity for 90,000 bushels of cargo. Notably, it featured a Centerboard and steam winch for operational flexibility. Initially adorned with a gold-leaf figurehead of Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, this decorative feature was removed due to clearance issues in canal locks. The Barge typically operated as a tow vessel, requiring a small crew of eight and achieving speeds of up to 15 knots under sail when needed.

History

Construction and Launch

The MINNEDOSA was launched with great fanfare on April 26, 1890, in Kingston, Ontario. The event drew a crowd of approximately 6,000 spectators. The launch faced complications when the ways spread under the Barge’s immense weight, causing it to get stuck. It wasn’t until the following day that the vessel was fully afloat. At a cost of $70,000, it was one of the most heavily constructed vessels of its time.

Operational Career

The Schooner Barge primarily operated in the grain trade on the Great Lakes, often towed by tugs like the Montreal Transportation Co.’s WALKER. The MINNEDOSA had several notable incidents, including:

•October 1892: While being pushed against a Welland Canal Lock, the Barge sustained significant damage to its side and Keel, requiring $15,000 in repairs. However, the company opted to continue using the damaged vessel rather than repair it.

•1903: Wear and tear reduced the vessel’s value significantly. By this time, the MINNEDOSA was no longer the prized asset it had once been.

Despite these challenges, the Barge remained active in the grain trade, contributing to the region’s burgeoning economy.

Final Disposition

On October 20, 1905, the MINNEDOSA met its end in a fierce storm on Lake Huron. While being towed by the Montreal Transportation Co. canaller WESTMOUNT along with the Barge MELROSE, the MINNEDOSA was lost approximately 2.5 miles off Harbor Beach, Michigan. Tragically, all hands aboard, including the captain’s wife, perished in the incident.

At the time of its sinking, the MINNEDOSA was self-insured and valued at $17,000 on the company’s books. Its registry was officially closed on April 18, 1906.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the MINNEDOSA. Mariners navigating Lake Huron near Harbor Beach should remain aware of historical wreck sites and exercise caution in this area, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the MINNEDOSA has not been thoroughly documented, and its exact depth remains unspecified. Its general location, approximately 2.5 miles off Harbor Beach, Michigan, is known but awaits further exploration by maritime historians and divers.

Resources & Links

•Montreal Transportation Co. Annual Directors’ Reports (1903, 1905)

•Kingston Grain Ledgers

•Alpena Public Library Great Lakes Maritime Database

•Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Vessels Online Index

•Canada List of Shipping (1895)

•Gillham’s Ships in Trouble: Great Lakes 1850–1930

Conclusion

The MINNEDOSA’s history encapsulates the triumphs and tribulations of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its celebrated launch to its challenging operational life and eventual tragic sinking, the vessel serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by mariners and the resilience of the maritime industry. While the wreck lies largely unexplored, it represents a significant piece of Great Lakes history, offering a story of innovation, perseverance, and loss that continues to captivate maritime enthusiasts.

Keywords

MINNEDOSA shipwreck, Lake Huron, Harbor Beach, Schooner Barge, grain trade, Great Lakes maritime history, James Roney, 19th-century shipbuilding, shipwreck diving.