Identification & Vessel Information

• Name: TROY
• Type: Schooner Barge
• Built: 1872 by David Lester in Marine City, Michigan
• Dimensions:
• Length: 187.4 feet (61 meters)
• Beam: 30.6 feet (9.3 meters)
• Depth: 10.2 feet (3.1 meters)
• Tonnage:
• Gross: 486 tons
• Final Location: Scammon Cove, Drummond Island, Lake Huron
• GPS Coordinates: 45°57.039’ N, 83°37.500’ W
• Depth at Wreck Site: 5–10 feet (1.5–3 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The TROY was a Schooner Barge, a type of vessel designed primarily to carry heavy cargoes such as lumber on the Great Lakes. These barges were typically towed by steam-powered vessels, maximizing efficiency during the bustling lumber trade of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The TROY’s substantial frame and robust construction made her a reliable asset for the transportation of timber, a key industry on the Great Lakes.

History

The TROY was built in 1872 in Marine City, Michigan, by David Lester. With her significant dimensions and Gross Tonnage of 486 tons, she was well-suited for her role as a lumber carrier, faithfully serving the Great Lakes’ timber trade throughout her operational life.

Her final years were spent under the ownership of the Kreetan Company, a prominent lumber operation based in Scammon Cove, Drummond Island. In 1920, after decades of service, the TROY was Abandoned at the northeast corner of Scammon Cove. Some accounts suggest she may have met her end in a fire while docked, though details remain unclear.

Final Disposition

Today, only the lower Hull timbers of the TROY remain, lying submerged in 5–10 feet (1.5–3 meters) of water in Scammon Cove. Close to the wreck site is a debris field containing remnants of the Kreetan Company’s lumber docks, sawmill artifacts, and timber cuttings, offering a hauntingly beautiful look at the area’s once-thriving lumber trade.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the TROY is primarily of interest to snorkelers and kayakers due to its shallow depth and fragmented state. Divers may find the site less appealing, but its proximity to the surface and surrounding artifacts makes it an intriguing spot for those exploring the area by paddle or snorkel.

Highlights

•Key Features:

•Lower Hull timbers of the Schooner Barge

•Debris field with artifacts from the lumber industry, including remnants of docks and sawmill machinery

•Accessibility:

•Ideal for snorkeling and kayaking

•Shallow waters make it accessible for beginners and those interested in history without requiring dive gear

Historical Significance

The TROY is a silent relic of the Great Lakes’ bustling lumber trade, a period when ships like her were lifelines for industries that shaped the region’s economy. Her remains, though diminished by time, offer valuable insights into the maritime heritage of Scammon Cove and Drummond Island.

Resources & Links

• Visit Drummond Island: Explore tourism opportunities and local history, including sites like Scammon Cove.
• Great Lakes Maritime History: Consult regional archives or historical societies for more on the lumber trade and Schooner barges.

Tags

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #SchoonerBargeTROY #LakeHuronShipwreck #DrummondIsland #GreatLakesLumberTrade #MaritimeHistory

Conclusion

The TROY stands as a poignant reminder of the Great Lakes’ lumber transportation era, her remains nestled in the serene waters of Scammon Cove. While her imposing form has been eroded by time, the fragments left behind tell a story of industrial ingenuity, perseverance, and the challenges of early maritime commerce. For those seeking a blend of history and exploration, the TROY’s resting place is a unique and evocative destination.