Shipwreck Profile: Traveler

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Traveler
• Registry: U.S.
• Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Year Built: 1852
• Year Sank: 1865
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: None

Dimensions

• Length: 199.1 ft (60.67 m)
• Width: 29 ft (8.84 m)
• Depth: 10.1 ft (3.08 m)

Vessel History

The Traveler was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer constructed in 1852, a typical example of early steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes. Sidewheel steamers were a vital component of commerce and passenger transport during the mid-19th century, particularly in the expanding industrial and agricultural economy of the region.

The Traveler met its end in 1865, sinking in Lake Superior near Michigan. The cause of the wreck is attributed to a fire, a common hazard for wooden steamships of the era. Despite its destruction, portions of the vessel remain on the lakebed, offering insights into early Sidewheel Steamer design and operation.

For additional historical information:

• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• Baillod Shipwreck Archives – Traveler
• 3DShipwrecks – Traveler

3D Model – Traveler

Traveler by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Superior
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 20 ft (6.10 m)
• GPS Coordinates: 47° 27.557′ N, 88° 09.133′ W

Site Description:

The Traveller wreck lies at a shallow depth of 20 ft (6.10 m), partially embedded in a gravel pile. Unfortunately, the site has been complicated by the addition of wreckage from a 20th-century ship, relocated by a local dive group. Key features believed to belong to the Traveller include:

• Hull Sections: Side of the Hull embedded in gravel and parts of the bottom near the stem.
• Sidewheel Bearing Support: A distinctive triangular-shaped bearing support for one of the sidewheels.
• Burned Planking: Clear evidence of fire damage on planks and other structural remains.

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 this area of Lake Superior is typically good, although gravel and sediment can obscure details.

• Site Complications:

The presence of debris from a 20th-century wreck complicates the identification of artifacts specific to the Traveller. Divers should take care to differentiate the two wrecks when exploring or documenting.

• Preservation Status:

As part of Lake Superior’s underwater heritage, the wreck is protected. Artifacts should not be disturbed or removed.

Site Significance

The Traveller is a notable example of mid-19th-century sidewheel steamers, representing an important phase in Great Lakes maritime history. The fire damage and structural remains highlight the vulnerabilities of wooden steamships and the risks faced by vessels operating on the lakes. Despite the complications of overlapping wreckage, the site provides a valuable opportunity for study and exploration.

Keywords:

Traveller shipwreck, Lake Superior steamers, sidewheel wrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, shallow wreck dives, burned shipwreck sites.