Shipwreck Report: CITY OF PORT HURON

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: City of Port Huron

•Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Barge

•Year Built: 1867

•Builder: J.P. Arnold, Port Huron, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 169 feet (51.5 meters)

•Beam: 30.6 feet (9.3 meters)

•Depth: 10.2 feet (3.1 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 411.02 tons

•Engine: High-pressure non-condensing engine, Phoenix Iron Works

•Last Registered Port: Port Huron, Michigan

•Wreck Location: 3–4 miles off Lexington, Michigan, Lake Huron, approximately 15 miles north of Sarnia, Ontario

•Depth: 35 feet (10.7 meters)

•Coordinates: 43°13.400’N, 82°29.050’W

•Condition: Foundered and rapidly deteriorated; located in 2001

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The City of Port Huron was a wooden steam Barge designed for transporting bulk cargo, particularly iron ore. Powered by a Phoenix Iron Works high-pressure engine, the vessel represented the industrial advancements of its era, combining durability with functionality to navigate the often treacherous Great Lakes waters. Its single mast and robust construction underscored its dual capability for towing and independent navigation.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Operations:

The City of Port Huron was launched in 1867 to support the booming industrial economy of the Great Lakes region. Its primary cargo was iron ore, a critical resource for steel production. Initially owned by Johnston, Ward et al. of Port Huron, the vessel played a pivotal role in the region’s growing transportation network.

Incidents During Service:

Throughout its operational life, the vessel endured several maritime mishaps:

•1870: Ran aground on Stony Island Reef in the Detroit River.

•1871: Stranded on the Clay Banks in the lower Detroit River.

•1874: Collided with the scow St. Charles in the St. Clair River.

Despite these challenges, the City of Port Huron remained active under various owners, including A.B. Drake of Dunkirk, New York, and later M.M. Drake and others of Buffalo, New York.

Final Voyage and Sinking:

On September 4, 1876, the vessel was transporting a heavy load of iron ore when it encountered a catastrophic Hull failure approximately 3–4 miles off Lexington, Michigan. Reports indicated that overloading contributed to the failure, causing the vessel to spring a leak, broach, and founder in 35 feet of water.

The crew survived by seeking refuge in the rigging and on the cabin roof until rescue arrived. Despite their survival, the vessel and its cargo were declared a Total Loss. Salvage attempts in 1877 recovered some of the ship’s gear and machinery, but the damaged Hull was Abandoned.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The City of Port Huron sank due to overloading and structural failure. It was partially salvaged by the wrecking Tug Monitor in 1877, but the vessel was left to deteriorate on the lakebed. The wreck was discovered in 2001, submerged in 35 feet (10.7 meters) of water near Lexington, Michigan, in Lake Huron.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site. Mariners and divers should navigate with caution when near the historical wrecks off Lexington Heights, Lake Huron.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition:

The wreck has deteriorated significantly due to its age and exposure to the elements. The wooden Hull is scattered, and structural components may be partially buried in sediment.

•Accessibility:

Resting in 35 feet (10.7 meters) of water, the wreck is accessible to recreational divers. The shallow depth provides an opportunity to explore the remains of this historically significant steam Barge, though Visibility and debris may pose challenges.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Primary Sources:

•Shipwreck records: David Swayze Shipwreck File, Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

•Historical archives: National Museum of the Great Lakes, Bowling Green State University Archives.

•Further Reading:

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed records of vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

•Lexington Shipwreck Preserve: Information about wrecks in the area.

CONCLUSION

The City of Port Huron illustrates the industrial and navigational challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Its sinking due to overloading and Hull failure underscores the precarious nature of early maritime transport. The wreck, discovered in 2001, remains a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history, offering insights into the design, operation, and hazards faced by steam barges of the era.

KEYWORDS

#CityOfPortHuron #SteamBarge #LakeHuronShipwreck #LexingtonMichigan #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #IronOreTransport #PhoenixIronWorks #19thCenturyShipping #ShipwreckExploration

Coordinates: 43°13.400’N, 82°29.050’W

Depth: 35 feet (10.7 meters). Further research and exploration are encouraged to deepen understanding of this historical wreck.