IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Wahnipitae

•Year of Build: 1888

•Builder: J. Davidson, West Bay City, Michigan

•Type: Wooden Steamship (Lumber Carrier)

•Length: 332 feet (101.19 meters)

•Beam: 44 feet (13.41 meters)

•Depth: 28 feet (8.53 meters)

•Tonnage: 3,329 Gross Tons

•Owner: Loveland Lumber Company, Alpena, Michigan

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Wahnipitae was a monumental wooden Steamship, celebrated as the largest wooden vessel ever constructed when it was launched in 1888. It was specifically designed to carry massive loads of uncut timber to mills, reflecting the prominence of the logging industry in the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century.

Equipped with a single Deck and reinforced construction, the ship’s enormous size and capacity were critical in transporting whole logs to lumber mills, particularly those owned by its operator, the Loveland Lumber Company. The vessel’s construction highlighted advanced shipbuilding techniques of its time, including diagonal steel strapping for added Hull strength.

HISTORY

Construction and Launch

Built at the Davidson Shipyard in West Bay City, Michigan, the Wahnipitae was launched in 1888 to much acclaim. Its construction underscored the growing demands of the timber trade and the capabilities of shipbuilders to adapt to these needs. It was engineered to haul massive quantities of raw timber from remote logging regions to industrial hubs along the Great Lakes.

Operational History

The Wahnipitae primarily operated under the ownership of the Loveland Lumber Company, headquartered in Alpena, Michigan. As a lumber carrier, it was part of the region’s booming timber industry, which was integral to the economic development of the Great Lakes states.

The vessel’s immense size enabled it to transport entire logs, a rare capability that set it apart from other contemporary lumber vessels. However, its sheer dimensions also made it challenging to maneuver in narrow or rough waters, a limitation that foreshadowed its eventual fate.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Wahnipitae met its demise on November 6, 1896, during a storm on Lake Superior. The vessel, laden with a full cargo of logs, encountered heavy seas and strong winds, causing it to founder. The ship’s size and load made it difficult to weather the storm, leading to its sinking.

The exact location of the wreck remains uncertain, though it is believed to lie in deep waters near the southern shores of Lake Superior. The incident marked a significant loss for the timber trade and underscored the risks associated with transporting heavy cargoes on the Great Lakes during the late autumn storm season.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Wahnipitae wreck site have been issued.

•Its presumed resting place in deep water makes it unlikely to pose hazards to navigation.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Wahnipitae has not been definitively located, though search efforts may have focused on areas near its last reported position during the storm of November 1896.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given its presumed depth in Lake Superior, the wreck of the Wahnipitae would be inaccessible to most recreational divers. Any exploration would likely require advanced underwater equipment and expertise. If found, the site would provide valuable insights into the construction and operation of wooden steamships during the late 19th century.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Historical Collections of the Great Lakes: Archival materials related to timber trade vessels, including the Wahnipitae.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation on Great Lakes shipwrecks, including large wooden vessels.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides broader context for the timber industry and its associated vessels.

CONCLUSION

The Wahnipitae remains a symbol of the Great Lakes’ timber boom, reflecting the ambition and innovation of late 19th-century shipbuilding. As the largest wooden vessel of its time, it played a crucial role in the regional economy before succumbing to the hazards of Lake Superior. Its legacy endures in maritime history as a testament to the ingenuity and risks of early industrial transport.

KEYWORDS

Wahnipitae, Wooden Steamship, Lumber Carrier, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Lake Superior, Loveland Lumber Company, Davidson Shipyard, Timber Trade.