Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: SATURN

• Type: Wooden Barge

• Year Built: Mid-19th century (specific date unavailable)

• Owner: Capt. E.B. Ward

• Cargo: Iron ore

• Date of Loss: November 1872

• Location: Near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior

• Crew: All hands lost (7 crew members)

History

The SATURN was a wooden Barge owned by Capt. E.B. Ward, one of the Great Lakes’ prominent shipowners. Designed to be towed by steam tugs, the Barge played a crucial role in transporting heavy cargo like iron ore. In November 1872, SATURN, along with its sister Barge JUPITER, was en route from Marquette to Wyandotte when it encountered a fierce gale.

The Towline broke during the storm, leaving the SATURN adrift. The Barge eventually struck the rocky shore near Whitefish Point, breaking apart in the violent waves. Tragically, all seven crew members aboard were lost.

Final Disposition

The wreckage of the SATURN remains embedded in the sand near Whitefish Point. Due to the dangerous conditions, no salvage attempts were made.1. Barges Saturn and Jupiter

These were wooden-hulled barges, likely converted schooners, used to haul heavy cargoes such as iron ore on the Great Lakes. Barges like these were often towed by steam tugs, which allowed larger amounts of cargo to be moved efficiently.

2. Schooners Middlesex, W.O. Brown, and C.C. Griswold

Traditional wooden sailing vessels, three-masted schooners were commonly used in the 19th century for hauling grain, coal, and other bulk goods. These vessels relied on their sails for propulsion and were often vulnerable to the sudden gales of Lake Superior.

History

In November 1872, a severe gale swept across Lake Superior, causing widespread destruction to vessels navigating its waters. Among the casualties were the barges Saturn and Jupiter, both loaded with iron ore and bound from Marquette to Wyandotte. They were in tow of the steam Tug General Dix when the storm struck near Whitefish Point.

• Saturn and Jupiter

The Jupiter, under the command of Capt. Peter Howard of Detroit, and the Saturn, commanded by an unnamed Amherstburg captain, were carrying crews of eight men each. Both barges were overwhelmed by the storm, their hulls breaking apart under the relentless waves. Tragically, all crew members perished, and none of the bodies were recovered.

Attempts to salvage the wrecks were ultimately Abandoned as the vessels were deeply embedded in the sand and badly broken up. The losses totaled $28,000 for the Jupiter and $13,000 for its cargo. The ship was uninsured, though the cargo had insurance coverage.

• Middlesex

The Schooner Middlesex went ashore near Pointe Aux Pins but, fortunately, her crew survived. The vessel suffered significant damage but avoided complete loss of life.

• W.O. Brown and C.C. Griswold

Both schooners, heavily laden with cargo, were lost with all hands aboard during the same storm. The ferocity of the gale left little chance for survival or rescue, further compounding the maritime disaster.

Final Dispositions

• Saturn and Jupiter: Both barges were total losses, with their remains lying near Whitefish Point. The vessels were unrecoverable due to extensive damage and being embedded in sand.

• Middlesex: Went ashore but was not a Total Loss.

• W.O. Brown and C.C. Griswold: Both schooners were presumed lost with all hands, their fates indicative of the storm’s devastating impact.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for these wrecks. However, Whitefish Point is known for its treacherous waters and remains a site of numerous shipwrecks. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution, particularly during adverse weather.

Located By & Date

The exact locations of the Saturn and Jupiter wrecks are undocumented, though they are known to lie near Whitefish Point. The wrecks have not been extensively explored due to their poor condition and sand coverage.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Saturn and Jupiter:

Both wrecks are deeply embedded in sand and have disintegrated due to the storm’s force and the passage of time. They are unlikely to be accessible to divers or researchers.

• Other Vessels:

The W.O. Brown and C.C. Griswold have not been located and likely remain in deep water or scattered across the lakebed.

Resources & Links

1. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point:

https://www.shipwreckmuseum.com

2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

An extensive archive of historical shipwrecks and newspaper accounts.

https://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

3. WreckSite:

A detailed database of shipwrecks worldwide, including Great Lakes vessels.

https://www.wrecksite.eu

4. Local Historical Societies:

Groups in Marquette and Whitefish Point often maintain records and accounts of shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The loss of the Saturn, Jupiter, and accompanying schooners during the November 1872 storm remains one of Lake Superior’s many tragic maritime events. These vessels and their crews paid the ultimate price for the growing demand to transport iron ore and other goods across the Great Lakes. Today, their stories serve as poignant reminders of the Great Lakes’ power and the risks faced by those who sailed its waters.

Keywords

#LakeSuperiorShipwrecks #SaturnAndJupiter #WhitefishPointShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipwrecks #LakeSuperiorStorm1872