Shipwreck Report: Grace Williams

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Grace Williams
• Registry: U.S.
• Official Number: 85882
• Vessel Type: Steambarge
• Year Built: 1885
• Year Sank: 1896
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: Single Expansion Steam Engine
• Dimensions
• Length: 48 ft (14.63 m)
• Width: 12 ft (3.66 m)
• Depth: 5 ft (1.52 m)

Vessel History

The Grace Williams was a small wooden steambarge, a type of vessel designed to carry cargo and supplies while equipped with a steam engine for propulsion. Steambarges like the Grace Williams were common on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, offering versatility in shallow or confined waters.

In 1896, the Grace Williams sank in Lake Michigan under unknown circumstances. Its small size and intact structure make it a valuable example of a steambarge, offering insights into the operations of such vessels during the late 19th century.

For additional historical details:

• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• 3DShipwrecks – Grace Williams

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Michigan
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 204 ft (62.18 m)
• GPS Coordinates: 45° 01.973′ N, 086° 03.096′ W

3D Model – Grace Williams

Grace Williams by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Site Description

The wreck of the Grace Williams is remarkably intact for its age and depth, offering a well-preserved snapshot of 19th-century steambarge design and functionality:

• Structural Features:

• Cabins: Somewhat intact, though likely damaged during its sinking or subsequent submersion.

• Mast and Boom: Still visible, reflecting the vessel’s auxiliary sailing capabilities.

• Machinery and Equipment:

• Engine and Boiler: The single expansion steam engine and boiler remain in place.

• Propeller and Rudder: Both are intact and positioned as they would have been during operation.

• Ship’s Wheel: Still present, offering a tangible link to the vessel’s navigation systems.

• Additional Features:

• Anchor: Intact and visible at the wreck site.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

The wreck lies at a significant depth of 204 ft (62.18 m), making it accessible only to advanced technical divers with experience in deep wreck exploration.

• Visibility:

Lake Michigan’s cold and clear waters often provide good Visibility at this depth, preserving many structural details of the wreck.

• Preservation Status:

The site is protected as part of Michigan’s underwater heritage. Divers are encouraged to observe respectfully and avoid disturbing or removing artifacts.

Site Significance

The Grace Williams offers a rare and well-preserved example of a late 19th-century steambarge, a vessel type integral to the industrial and commercial development of the Great Lakes region. Its intact engine, boiler, and navigation equipment, along with its relatively small size, make it a unique and educational site for historians and divers alike.

The wreck’s depth and preservation make it a valuable resource for understanding the construction and operation of steambarges, as well as the conditions faced by their crews on the Great Lakes.

Keywords:

Grace Williams shipwreck, Lake Michigan steambarges, single expansion steam engine, 19th-century steam vessels, Great Lakes maritime history, deep wreck diving.