Identification & Site Information:

• Name(s): Fletcher
• Registry: United States
• Official Number: 120142
• Vessel Type: Bulk Freighter
• Builder: George H. Notter
• Place Built: Niagara River Transportation Co., Suspension Bridge, NY; Buffalo, NY
• Year Built: 1873
• Hull Material: Wood
• Masts: None
• Engines: None

Dimensions:

• Length: 186 ft (56.7 m)
• Width: 34 ft (10.4 m)
• Depth: 14 ft (4.3 m)

Vessel Type

The Fletcher was a wooden bulk freighter, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, used primarily for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, or iron ore.

Description

The Fletcher was launched in 1873 and served for seven years on the Great Lakes, transporting bulk cargo across the region’s expansive waterways. Constructed at Buffalo, New York, its wooden Hull design was typical for freighters of the era, balancing capacity and durability within the limitations of wooden shipbuilding.

On November 21, 1880, the Fletcher met its end near South Fox Island in Lake Michigan. The exact circumstances of its sinking are not well-documented, but it is presumed to have encountered severe weather or navigational difficulties, both common causes of shipwrecks during that period.

Final Dispositions

The wreck of the Fletcher lies in 15 ft (4.6 m) of water near South Fox Island, Michigan. The wreck is scattered in multiple pieces, with sections of the Hull separated by several hundred yards. This distribution suggests that the vessel broke apart during or after its sinking. One significant section of the wreck has been modeled for study and preservation efforts.

Located By & Date Found

The site has been identified and documented as part of Michigan’s underwater heritage, making it accessible to divers and historians interested in the region’s maritime history.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The shallow depth and dispersed nature of the wreck make it suitable for exploration by divers and snorkelers. However, care should be taken to avoid disturbing the site, which has historical significance and may continue to degrade due to environmental factors.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Historical Society: Fletcher
• Alpena County George N Fletcher Library Maritime Collection
• 3DShipwrecks – Fletcher

3D Model – Fletcher

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Keywords: Fletcher Shipwreck, Lake Michigan, South Fox Island, Wooden Freighter

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Wooden Freighter Wrecks, Michigan Maritime History

Glossary: Bulk Freighter, Splayed Wreck, South Fox Island, Shipbuilding