Eagle River Reef – Geographic and Historical Overview

Geographic Information

•Location: Eagle River Reef is located at the end of the Keweenaw Peninsula, extending into Lake Superior, Michigan.

•Coordinates: Approximately near 47.41°N, 88.31°W.

•Physical Characteristics: The reef is a submerged hazard, known for its rocky outcroppings and shallow depths, making it perilous for navigation. Its prominence and location at the northernmost part of the Keweenaw Peninsula place it in a critical shipping lane.

•Hazards: The reef lies in an area prone to strong winds and waves, compounding its dangers for vessels traversing the waters of Lake Superior.

Historical Information

Shipwreck Incidents

Eagle River Reef has been the site of numerous shipwrecks, earning it a notorious reputation among mariners. Between 1894 and 1910, sixteen shipwrecks were recorded in the area, underlining the reef’s hazardous nature.

1.H.S. PICKANDS (1894)

•Type: Steel Steamer.

•Incident: Wrecked on the reef, highlighting the area’s danger even for newer vessels.

•Outcome: The wreck underscored the need for better navigational aids.

2.COLORADO (1898)

•Type: Propeller Steamship, 1470 tons.

•Build Date/Place: Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1867.

•Incident: Stranded on the reef on September 19, 1898. Declared a Total Loss.

•Outcome: Fortunately, no lives were lost in the wreck.

3.MORELAND (1910)

•Type: Steel Steamer.

•Incident: The most recent casualty on the reef, further demonstrating the site’s hazards despite technological advancements in shipbuilding.

Impact of Shipwrecks

The frequency of accidents on Eagle River Reef brought significant attention from the Lake Carriers’ Association. The association advocated for protective measures, such as improved navigational aids or physical markers, to mitigate the risk of further losses. Despite salvage efforts for many of the wrecked vessels, the conditions surrounding the reef made operations challenging and often unsuccessful.

Maritime Significance

Eagle River Reef’s treacherous conditions have left a lasting legacy in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

•Concentration of Shipwrecks: Sixteen wrecks in sixteen years made the reef one of Lake Superior’s most dangerous areas for shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

•Advancements in Safety: The losses spurred discussions on improved safety measures and navigational aids for hazardous areas on the Great Lakes.

Preservation and Legacy

•Shipwreck Sites: The wrecks of the COLORADO, H.S. PICKANDS, and other vessels have become points of interest for maritime historians and divers.

•Cultural and Historical Value: These wrecks serve as reminders of the perils faced by mariners during a critical era of Great Lakes shipping.

•Current Status: The reef and its associated shipwrecks are part of the underwater heritage of Lake Superior, potentially protected under Michigan’s laws for historical preservation.

Conclusion

Eagle River Reef remains a site of historical and maritime importance. The dangers it posed to vessels, highlighted by the wrecks of the COLORADO, H.S. PICKANDS, and others, emphasize the challenges faced by 19th and early 20th-century mariners. Efforts to protect and preserve the reef’s legacy continue to underscore the need for safety and navigation improvements in such treacherous waters.

Keywords

•Eagle River Reef

•Keweenaw Peninsula

•Lake Superior Shipwrecks

•Great Lakes Maritime History

•COLORADO Shipwreck

•H.S. PICKANDS Shipwreck

•MORELAND Shipwreck

•Navigational Hazards

•Lake Carriers’ Association