Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: James Davidson

• Vessel Type: Wooden Steam Screw Bulk Freighter

• Year Built: 1874

• Builder: Salzburg, Michigan

• Dimensions: Approximately 198 feet in length, 32 feet in beam, 14.8 feet in depth

• Gross Tonnage: 1,456.11 tons

• Net Tonnage: 1,202.40 tons

• Registration: U.S. No. 75786

• Home Port: St. Clair, Michigan

• Final Location: Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron

• Date of Wreck: October 4, 1883

• Depth: Approximately 35 feet

Vessel Type Description

The James Davidson was a wooden steam screw bulk freighter, a class of vessel that dominated Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century. These ships were designed to transport large quantities of bulk goods such as grain, coal, and ore. Powered by steam engines driving a single screw propeller, they represented a transitional period in maritime technology, bridging the gap between sail-powered vessels and steel-hulled steamers. The James Davidson embodied this era, offering significant cargo capacity but remaining vulnerable to the hazards of the Great Lakes due to its wooden construction.

History

Built in Salzburg, Michigan, in 1874, the James Davidson served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Its registration in St. Clair, Michigan, positioned it within a key hub for maritime trade. Early in its career, the vessel encountered trouble in September 1874, running aground on Stag Island with damages estimated at $600, a substantial amount at the time. The ship was repaired and returned to service, continuing to transport cargo across the region.

On October 4, 1883, the James Davidson embarked on its final voyage while towing a consort Barge laden with cargo. Navigating off Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, the vessel encountered treacherous conditions that led to it running aground. Despite the crew’s efforts to free the ship, it remained stranded on the island’s shore.

Final Disposition

The grounded James Davidson could not be salvaged despite the recovery of its engine and boiler. Over time, the vessel succumbed to the relentless forces of Lake Huron, breaking apart and settling on the lakebed in approximately 35 feet of water. Today, the wreck lies in fragmented sections near Thunder Bay Island, providing a haunting reminder of the perilous conditions mariners faced on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the James Davidson. However, Thunder Bay Island and the surrounding waters are known for their underwater hazards, and divers should approach the site with caution due to sharp debris and potential currents.

Located By & Date

The wreck was located near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron, though the specific date of its discovery is not recorded. It is a popular dive site, attracting those interested in exploring the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay Sanctuary – A resource for information about shipwrecks and preservation efforts in the area.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Offers insights into Great Lakes maritime history and wreck exploration.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Provides detailed records of shipwrecks.

• Historical Newspapers Archive: Maritime disaster reports for further details on the incident.

Conclusion

The James Davidson’s wreck off Thunder Bay Island serves as a testament to the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Its story, marked by grounding, salvage attempts, and eventual loss, highlights the inherent risks faced by freighters of its era. Today, the fragmented remains rest beneath the waters of Lake Huron, preserving a piece of maritime history and honoring the legacy of those who navigated these vital but treacherous routes.

Keywords

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #JamesDavidson #LakeHuron #ThunderBayIsland #GreatLakesFreighter #WoodenFreighter #SteamScrew #NauticalHistory #19thCenturyShips #SalvageHistory