Wreck Report: GEORGE C. MARKHAM / JOHN W. CULLEN

Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: GEORGE C. MARKHAM, JOHN W. CULLEN

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier (later converted to sand Dredge)

• Location: Frying Pan Island, Lake Huron, near DeTour, Michigan

• Coordinates: Latitude 45° 59.351’ N, Longitude 83° 53.792’ W

• Depth: 5–40 feet (1.5–12 meters)

• Dimensions:

• Length: 141 feet (43 meters)

• Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

• Hull Depth: 10.4 feet (3.2 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 309 tons

Vessel Type Description

The GEORGE C. MARKHAM, later renamed JOHN W. CULLEN, was originally built as a lumber carrier in 1883. It was designed to transport lumber across the Great Lakes, with a robust wooden Hull suited to the demands of its era. In 1914, it was converted into a sand Dredge, adapting to industrial needs before its eventual demise.

History

1. Construction and Early Service:

• Built in 1883 by the Milwaukee Shipyard Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

• Initially operated by the Fitzgerald family of Milwaukee as a lumber carrier.

2. Ownership Changes:

• 1899: Sold to Thomas Munroe, Muskegon, Michigan; continued service as a lumber carrier.

• 1914: Purchased by George A. Douglas, Detroit, Michigan, and converted into a sand Dredge.

3. Final Chapter:

• Renamed JOHN W. CULLEN in 1923.

• Eventually sank near Frying Pan Island, close to DeTour, Michigan, when owned by T. L. Durocher, who intended to salvage and return the vessel to service.

• Never raised, the vessel remains submerged approximately 600 feet north of Frying Pan Island.

Final Disposition

The JOHN W. CULLEN now lies in 5 to 40 feet of water, south of the Sainte Marie wreck. The Hull is largely intact, but all machinery, including the boiler, engine, and sand dredging equipment, was salvaged prior to abandonment. Its proximity to the shore and sheltered location in the DeTour passage make it a stable dive site under most weather conditions.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wooden Hull remains intact, although stripped of all major machinery and equipment.

• Accessibility: The wreck is accessible from shore via a nearby park in DeTour, Michigan. Its shallow depth and sheltered waters make it suitable for divers of varying experience levels.

• Dive Environment:

• Sheltered from waves and currents, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dive.

• Offers good Visibility and a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes history.

Diving Highlights

• Intact Hull: A chance to see a largely preserved 19th-century wooden ship.

• Historical Exploration: Located near the Sainte Marie wreck, this site provides a comparative dive experience.

• Weather Alternative: The wreck’s protected location makes it an ideal dive site when Lake Huron conditions are rough.

Cautions

• Shallow Hazards: Divers should be cautious around the exposed wreckage, as sharp edges and splintered wood could pose risks.

• Nearby Wrecks: The close proximity of the Sainte Marie wreck provides additional exploration opportunities but requires navigation skill.

Tags

• GEORGE C. MARKHAM

• JOHN W. CULLEN

• Lake Huron Wrecks

• Frying Pan Island

• Historical Dive Sites

• Bulk Carrier Wreck

Conclusion

The GEORGE C. MARKHAM, later known as the JOHN W. CULLEN, offers a fascinating dive into the past, showcasing the evolution of a lumber carrier into a sand Dredge and its eventual abandonment. Resting in shallow, sheltered waters near Frying Pan Island, the wreck is accessible to divers and provides an excellent alternative when open lake conditions are unfavorable. Its historical significance and largely intact Hull make it a must-visit site for enthusiasts of Great Lakes maritime history.