Shipwreck Profile: Superior

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Superior
• Registry: U.S.
• Vessel Type: Sidewheeler
• Year Built: 1845
• Year Sank: 1856
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: None
• Dimensions
• Length: 191 ft (58.22 m)
• Width: 28 ft (8.53 m)
• Depth: 11 ft (3.35 m)

Vessel History

The Superior was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer built in 1845, part of the early generation of steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes. Sidewheelers were popular in the mid-19th century, featuring large paddle wheels on either side of the Hull. These vessels were commonly used for transporting passengers and cargo between ports during the Great Lakes’ rapid economic expansion.

The Superior sank in 1856 in Lake Superior, its namesake lake, under circumstances that remain unclear. The sinking highlights the dangers faced by early steamers, including unpredictable weather and navigational challenges. Over time, shifting sands in Lake Superior have obscured much of the wreck, leaving only parts of the vessel visible.

For more detailed historical information:

• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• Alger Underwater Preserve
• 3DShipwrecks – Superior

3D Model – Superior

Superior by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Superior

• State/Province: Michigan

• Depth: 20 ft (6.10 m)

• GPS Coordinates: 46° 33.480′ N, 086° 24.780′ W

• Site Description:

The wreck site, as of 2023, features only the remains of two locomotive-type boilers, which are indicative of the vessel’s propulsion system. The Hull and other structural components are reportedly buried beneath shifting sand, a common phenomenon in Lake Superior wreck sites. The boilers’ location provides a point of reference for divers and researchers interested in the site’s history.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

At a depth of 20 ft (6.10 m), the site is accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.

• Visibility:

Visibility in Lake Superior is typically good due to the cold, clear water, though sand movement can obscure parts of the site.

• Preservation Status:

The site is part of the Alger Underwater Preserve, and visitors are encouraged to respect the wreck by not disturbing the artifacts.

Site Significance

The Superior represents an important chapter in the transition from sail to steam power on the Great Lakes. The Visibility of its locomotive-style boilers offers a tangible link to 19th-century Steamship engineering. The wreck lies within the Alger Underwater Preserve, which is home to several notable shipwrecks and serves as a hub for maritime history enthusiasts and divers.

Keywords:

Superior shipwreck, Lake Superior sidewheelers, Great Lakes steamers, Alger Underwater Preserve, 19th-century maritime history, shallow wreck dives.