Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: GEORGE DUNBAR

•Type: Wooden Steam Barge

•Year Built: 1867

•Builder: Allegan, Michigan

•Construction: Wood, one Deck, one mast, refitted as a propeller later in its service

•Dimensions:

•Length: 133 feet (40.5 meters)

•Beam: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 238.25 tons

•Net: 190.82 tons

•Final Location: Near Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 41°40.631’N, 82°33.893’W

•Depth: 45 feet (15 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The GEORGE DUNBAR was initially built as a steam Barge, later refitted as a tow Barge and ultimately as a propeller vessel. These changes reflect the adaptability of such vessels to meet the evolving needs of the Great Lakes shipping industry, ranging from lumber transport to salvage and towing services.

History

Construction and Early Service

•Launched in May 1867, the GEORGE DUNBAR began service in the lumber trade, operating between Chicago, Illinois, and Muskegon, Michigan.

•The vessel was well-suited for the demanding lumber routes of the Great Lakes, thanks to its robust construction and reliable propulsion system.

Conversions and Incidents

•The vessel transitioned to wrecking service, where it played a notable role in assisting the ANNIE VOUGH when it ran aground on Spectacle Reef.

•Over its operational life, the GEORGE DUNBAR experienced various collisions, underwent multiple repairs, and changed ownership several times.

Ownership Timeline

•1887: Converted into a tow Barge and eventually refitted as a propeller.

•1901: Owned by C. H. Prescott, Cleveland, Ohio.

•1902: Listed under the Saginaw Bay Transportation Company, Mentor, Ohio.

Final Voyage

On the morning of June 29, 1902, the GEORGE DUNBAR sank near Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie, under unclear circumstances. While no casualties were reported, the vessel’s final resting place presented a navigation hazard in the busy shipping lanes near Middle Island passage.

Current Condition

•Wreck Location: The wreck rests on an even Keel, facing east-southeast, at a depth of 45 feet (15 meters).

•Wreck Features:

•The foremast remains standing.

•Wreckage from the pilot house was noted floating and still attached to the vessel.

•Dense sediment and natural forces may obscure parts of the Hull.

Proximity to International Boundary

Due to the wreck’s location near the boundary between United States and Canadian waters, its jurisdiction remains uncertain.

Significance

The GEORGE DUNBAR represents a classic example of mid-19th century Great Lakes steam Barge construction and operation. Its adaptations over time—from a lumber transport to a wrecking vessel and finally to a propeller—illustrate the versatile use of these ships in the dynamic Great Lakes shipping industry. The wreck’s location and partial preservation continue to serve as a point of interest for both maritime historians and recreational divers.

References & Resources

1.Merchant Vessel List (1902): Details on ownership, tonnage, and construction.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime database entry on the GEORGE DUNBAR.

3.Great Lakes Vessels Index: Ownership and service history.

4.NOAA Shipwreck Database: Site coordinates and navigation advisories.

Tags

GEORGE DUNBAR Shipwreck, Lake Erie Shipwrecks, Steam Barge, Kelley’s Island Wreck, 19th-Century Maritime History, Great Lakes Wrecks.