Identification & Site Information

• • Name(s): S. C. Baldwin
• • Registry: United States
• • Official Number: 23957
• • Vessel Type: Steam Barge
• • Builder: Campbell, Owen & Co.
• • Place Built: Detroit, Michigan
• • Year Built: 1871
• • Year Sank: 1908
• • Hull Material: Wood
• • Masts: None
• • Engines: Single Expansion

Dimensions

• • Length: 160 ft (48.8 m)
• • Width: 30 ft (9.1 m)
• • Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)

Vessel History

The S. C. Baldwin, a wooden steam Barge, was constructed in 1871 by Campbell, Owen & Co. in Detroit, Michigan. It was designed for freight transport on the Great Lakes, particularly suited for hauling bulk cargo like timber and coal. Over its operational lifetime, the vessel underwent several rebuilds to extend its service life.

In 1908, the S. C. Baldwin sank in Lake Michigan, marking the end of its long career. While the specific circumstances of its sinking remain unclear, the wreck now serves as a site of historical and recreational interest.

For complete historical information, see:

• Great Lakes Maritime Database

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks Database

3D Shipwrecks

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Michigan

• State/Province: Wisconsin

• Depth: 70 ft (21.3 m)

• GPS Coordinates: 44° 10.873′ N, 87° 29.179′ W

• Site Description:

The wreck of the S. C. Baldwin lies primarily buried under sediment. Notable features include:

• The center Stanchions, stem, and a portion of the port side are visible.

• The impressive stem post rises approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) above the lakebed, making it a highlight for divers.

Keywords, Categories & Glossary

• Keywords: S. C. Baldwin, Steam Barge, Lake Michigan Shipwreck, Wisconsin Shipwrecks

• Categories: Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Wooden Vessels

• Glossary:

• Steam Barge: A vessel powered by steam engines, designed primarily for hauling bulk goods.

• Single Expansion Engine: A type of steam engine where steam expands once within the cylinder.

• Stem Post: The vertical structure at the forward edge of a ship’s bow.

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