Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: Barge No. 1
• •Type: Wooden Railroad Car Ferry Barge
• •Length: 309.75 feet (94.4 meters)
• •Width: 44.16 feet (13.5 meters)
• •Depth: 12.00 feet (3.7 meters)
• •Gross Tonnage: 1,544.78 tons
• •Net Tonnage: 1,463.13 tons
• •Final Location: North Point, Thunder Bay, Lake Huron
• •Coordinates: N45° 00.919’, W83° 18.238’
• •Depth at Wreck Site: Approximately 43 feet (13 meters)

Vessel Type Description

Barge No. 1 was a wooden railroad car Ferry Barge designed to transport railroad cars across Lake Michigan. Built in 1895 by James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan, the vessel was an integral part of the Lake Michigan Car Ferry Transportation Company’s operations. Its large size and robust construction enabled it to carry bulk cargoes such as lumber and pulpwood alongside railroad cars. The Barge was initially equipped with rails installed on its Deck after its launch in Chicago.

History

Barge No. 1 began its service life in 1895, operating as a critical link between Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and Chicago for the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad. It served this purpose faithfully until its transfer to other owners, eventually becoming a bulk freighter under Johnson & Rosch of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. By 1918, ownership passed to Kreeton & Company, based on Drummond Island, Michigan, reflecting the evolving needs of maritime transportation on the Great Lakes.

The Final Voyage

On November 8, 1918, Barge No. 1 was caught in a fierce storm while in Thunder Bay, Michigan. Stranded on North Point, the vessel succumbed to the relentless pounding of the waves, which caused it to break in two. Despite efforts to save the Barge, it slipped into the depths of Lake Huron, leaving only remnants behind. At the time of its sinking, the Barge was carrying lumber and chickens. Thankfully, all seven crew members survived the ordeal, escaping the vessel before it was lost.

Final Disposition

Barge No. 1 was declared a Total Loss after the storm’s devastating impact. The wreck lies in approximately 43 feet of water near North Point in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. Over time, the cold freshwater has preserved some parts of the wreck, which may still hold historical significance.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Advisories: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are issued regarding the wreck site. However, the area is known for its underwater hazards and is popular among divers.

•Diving Notes: The wreck is accessible at relatively shallow depths, making it an intriguing dive site for recreational divers. Strong currents and fluctuating Visibility may pose challenges.

Located By & Date

The wreck of Barge No. 1 is near North Point, Thunder Bay. While the site has been recognized, its precise discovery details are not widely documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in 43 feet of water, fragmented and partially buried under years of sediment. The remains may include sections of the wooden Hull and cargo remnants. Divers visiting the site should exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines.

External Links

• •Great Lakes Ships Database
• •Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Maritime Collection
• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• •Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary
• 3D Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The story of Barge No. 1 is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes. From its early days transporting railroad cars to its tragic stranding in 1918, the vessel’s history reflects the dynamic nature of maritime commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the wreck of Barge No. 1 rests quietly beneath the waters of Lake Huron, offering a glimpse into a bygone era for divers and historians alike.

Keywords

#BargeNo1 #RailroadCarFerry #LakeHuronShipwreck #ThunderBayWreck #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipwreck #NorthPoint #GreatLakesShipping

3D Model