Identification & Site Information

• Name: Yosemite
• Official Number: 27541
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden propeller-driven freighter
• Builder: G. Fordham, Sandusky, Ohio
• Year Built & Launched: 1867
• Specifications:
  • Length: 152 ft (46.3 m) Beam: 29 ft (8.8 m) Depth: 10 ft (3 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 310 GT Net Tonnage: 229 NT
• Rebuilds & Major Repairs:
  • 1874, 1883, 1884: Major repairs
  • 1886: Fully Rebuilt
• Date Lost: April 30, 1892
• Location of Loss: Off Emerson, Michigan, Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior
• Cause of Loss: Fire
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Light load, with a Barge (Ryan) in tow

Vessel Description & History

The Yosemite was a wooden-hulled steam freighter, built in 1867 by shipbuilder G. Fordham in Sandusky, Ohio. She was part of the growing fleet of propeller-driven freighters that replaced traditional schooners in Great Lakes cargo transport during the late 19th century.

Operating primarily as a Bulk Carrier, she transported coal, grain, lumber, and general freight across the Great Lakes. By the time of her loss in 1892, she had been in service for 25 years, undergoing multiple rebuilds and repairs to extend her lifespan.

Her ownership at the time of loss was Estes & Co. of Sandusky, Ohio, and she was commanded by Captain Miller.

Final Voyage & Loss

On April 30, 1892, the Yosemite was lying at anchor in Whitefish Bay, off Emerson, Michigan, with her Barge, Ryan, attached. While anchored, a fire broke out aboard the Yosemite. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but onboard fires were a major hazard on wooden steamships, often caused by sparks from the boiler, coal bunkers, or engine room malfunctions.

The flames spread rapidly, making it impossible for the crew to control the blaze. The entire crew barely managed to escape by jumping onto the Ryan, the Barge she was towing. Unable to extinguish the fire, they could only watch as the Yosemite burned to a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

The burned-out remains of the Yosemite likely sank or were Abandoned in Whitefish Bay. Given the ship’s complete destruction, no salvage efforts were recorded.

Located By & Date Found

No confirmed discovery of the wreck has been documented. Given the age and the nature of her loss, any remains would likely be scattered debris rather than an intact wreck.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No known modern navigational hazards related to this vessel exist.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Yosemite was a veteran freighter of the Great Lakes, serving for over two decades before meeting her fate in Whitefish Bay. Her destruction by fire in 1892 highlights the persistent danger of fire aboard wooden steamers, a common cause of maritime disasters in that era. Though her remains have never been officially located, she remains part of Lake Superior’s long history of lost steamers.