Identification Card

Name: Zillah (formerly Edward Smith)

Type: Steam-screw vessel

Builder: West Bay City, Michigan, USA

Build Date: 31 March 1890

Dimensions: Approx. 61.5 m (201.7 ft) length × 11.3 m (37.0 ft) beam × 3.96 m (13.0 ft) depth

Gross Tonnage: 748 t

Net Tonnage: 583 t

Hull Material: Steel

Propulsion: Steam engine with single screw

Date of Loss: 29 August 1926

Cause of Loss: Foundered during summer storm—precise cause unrecorded

Location: Whitefish Point, Lake Superior

Depth: ~230–250 ft (70–76 m)—part of Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve wreck roster

Crew: 12 aboard—no casualties

Description

Launched as the Edward Smith in 1890, the vessel was a steel-hulled, steam screw freighter built in West Bay City, Michigan. She was renamed *Zillah* in 1900 and operated as a mid-sized Bulk Carrier on the Great Lakes, handling commodities like limestone, coal, and grain.

History

Originally the Edward Smith, she served across the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. After being renamed *Zillah* in 1900, she continued her cargo work into the early 20th century, adapting to evolving trade routes and cargo demands.

Final Voyage

On 29 August 1926, near Whitefish Point in Lake Superior, the Zillah entered a summer storm and began to take on water. Crew Abandoned ship—but were rescued safely by the Steamer William B. Schiller with Coast Guard assistance. Following abandonment, the vessel capsized and sank.

Final Disposition

The Zillah was declared a Total Loss. Her wreck was later located in deep water (~76 m) and lies intact within the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

Located By & Date Found

Recorded to lie at approximately 230–250 ft (70–76 m) depth, likely discovered during underwater surveys supporting the creation of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners reference the wreck. However, its site is protected under the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, which promotes mooring buoys, restricted navigation zones, and diver safety protocols.

Dive Information

  • Access: Offshore dive site in Lake Superior’s Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve
  • Depth Range: Approximately 70–76 m (230–250 ft)
  • Conditions: Cold, deep, low-Visibility waters—dry suit and tech diving gear recommended
  • Hazards: Depth-related risks, cold temperatures, strong currents, remote offshore location

Crew & Casualty Memorials

All 12 aboard survived the foundering—no fatalities recorded. No known memorials specific to the *Zillah* crew exist.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“In 1900, the Smith was renamed *Zillah*… On 29 August 1926, *Zillah* was transporting a cargo of heavy limestone when she sailed into a summer storm in Whitefish Bay… The crew was rescued without loss by the Steamer *William B. Schiller*, with assistance from the Coast Guard. Shortly afterward, the ship rolled over and sank.”

References & Sources

  1. National Museum of American History – Edward Smith / Zillah ship model and loss details
  2. ShipwreckExplorers.com – Wreck depth and condition
  3. Wikipedia – Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve shipwreck list (includes Zillah)

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card

Wreck Name: Zillah

Other Names: Edward Smith

Coordinates: ~4 mi off Whitefish Point, Lake Superior (exact unknown)

Depth: 70–76 m (230–250 ft)

Vessel Type: Steam Screw Vessel

Material: Steel

Dimensions: ~61.5 m × 11.3 m × 3.96 m

Condition: Relatively intact wreck within underwater preserve mooring zone

Cause of Loss: Foundering in storm

Discovery Date: ~1975 (underwater surveys for preserve)

Hazards: Cold deep water; offshore currents

Permits Required: Yes—protected site under preserve regulations