IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Choctaw

• Type: Steel Propeller Monitor (Whaleback-like design)

• Built: 1892, Cleveland Shipbuilding, Cleveland, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 267 feet (81.4 meters)

• Beam: 38 feet (11.6 meters)

• Depth: 18 feet (5.5 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 1,574 tons

• Net: 1,256 tons

• Owner: Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company

• Last Voyage: July 12, 1915

• Final Resting Place: Approximately 200 feet (61 meters) underwater, off Presque Isle, Michigan, Lake Huron

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Choctaw was a distinctive bulk freighter featuring a Whaleback-like design, known for its streamlined, rounded Hull that reduced water resistance and improved efficiency. These ships, though rare, were marvels of late 19th-century engineering, blending innovation with functionality. The vessel was designed primarily for hauling bulk freight, including iron ore, across the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The Choctaw was launched in 1892 and began its career as a dedicated freighter on the Great Lakes, transporting vital materials such as iron ore to industrial centers. Owned by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, it served as a key player in the bustling maritime trade of the region.

However, the ship’s service life was punctuated by incidents, the first of which occurred in May 1896, when the Choctaw collided with the Steamer L.C. Waldo in the St. Marys River. The vessel sank on a shoal but was later salvaged and returned to service without casualties, demonstrating its resilience.

FINAL VOYAGE

On July 12, 1915, the Choctaw departed Thunder Bay, Ontario, loaded with 380,000 bushels of wheat bound for Buffalo, New York. A dense fog descended as the ship navigated Lake Huron near Presque Isle, Michigan. In this near-zero Visibility, the Choctaw collided with the British steam screw Wahcondah, resulting in catastrophic damage.

The collision left the Choctaw with no chance of recovery. Within 22 minutes, the freighter sank to the depths of Lake Huron. Despite the rapid sinking, all 20 crew members were rescued by the Wahcondah, avoiding any loss of life. The vessel, valued at $85,000, was insured for $80,000, partially offsetting the financial loss for its owners.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

The wreck of the Choctaw, located in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, remains a point of historical and archaeological interest. Resting at a depth of approximately 200 feet, the wreck is both a haunting reminder of the ship’s tragic end and a valuable resource for understanding maritime technology of the era.

• Bow Section: Upright, with structural integrity, offering a clear view of the ship’s innovative design.

• Stern Section: Broken and scattered in deeper waters, presenting challenges for exploration.

The Choctaw holds the distinction of being one of the earliest high-value shipwrecks on Lake Huron, with its loss marking a significant moment in Great Lakes shipping history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

While the site does not currently pose a navigational hazard, divers exploring the area within Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuaryshould adhere to guidelines to protect and preserve the wreck.

LEGACY

The Choctaw’s tragic sinking serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in maritime transportation, especially in the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. Its story also underscores the importance of navigational safety measures, particularly in foggy weather.

The wreck’s presence in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary highlights the region’s underwater cultural heritage, offering divers and researchers a glimpse into the industrial and Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Bowling Green State University
• Great Lakes Ships
• NOAA
• Michigan Tech

CONCLUSION

The Choctaw’s story is one of innovation, service, and loss. From its construction as a groundbreaking freighter to its untimely demise in 1915, the ship embodies the risks and triumphs of Great Lakes maritime history. The wreck, preserved in Lake Huron’s depths, continues to captivate the imagination of historians and divers, ensuring the Choctaw’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and the enduring challenges of navigating these inland seas.

Keywords: Lake Huron Shipwreck, Choctaw Freighter, Whaleback Design, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Great Lakes Maritime History, Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, Presque Isle Michigan, Early 20th Century Shipping