Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): D. M. Wilson
• Registry: U.S.
• Official Number: 6772
• Vessel Type: Bulk Freighter
• Year Built: 1873
• Year Sank: 1894
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: None (sail-powered)
• Dimensions
• Length: 179 ft (54.56 m)
• Width: 38 ft (11.58 m)
• Depth: 12 ft (3.66 m)

Vessel History

The D. M. Wilson was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter constructed in 1873, designed to transport heavy cargo such as iron ore, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. Bulk freighters like the D. M. Wilson were integral to the industrialization of the Great Lakes region, facilitating the movement of raw materials to emerging manufacturing hubs.

The vessel sank in 1894 in Lake Huron, with the exact cause of the sinking undocumented. It is likely the freighter succumbed to the harsh conditions that often plagued wooden ships in the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

For additional historical details:

• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – D. M. Wilson
• 3DShipwrecks – D.M. Wilson

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Huron
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 40 ft (12.19 m)
• GPS Coordinates: 45° 03.920′ N, 83° 10.928′ W

3D Model – D.M. Wilson

DM Wilson by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

D.M. Wilson by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

Site Description:

The wreck of the D. M. Wilson lies upright on the lakebed in shallow water, though much of the vessel’s structure and machinery has been lost or salvaged:

• Hull:

• The Hull is upright and remains intact.

• The Stern is broken, and much of the Deck and cabins are missing.

• Machinery and Equipment:

• The engine, boilers, and propulsion system are no longer present, likely salvaged or destroyed during the vessel’s sinking or subsequent years.

• Anchor Windlass: The Windlass remains extant on-site, providing insight into the vessel’s anchoring system.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

At a depth of 40 ft (12.19 m), the wreck is easily accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.

• Visibility:

Visibility in Lake Huron at this depth can vary, though the site’s shallow depth often allows for decent conditions.

• Preservation Status:

As part of Michigan’s underwater heritage, the wreck is protected, and divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing or removing artifacts.

Site Significance

The D. M. Wilson is an important example of a 19th-century wooden bulk freighter, highlighting the role these vessels played in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Its intact Hull and remaining anchor Windlass provide valuable clues about ship construction and cargo operations during the late 19th century.

Located at a shallow depth, the wreck is an accessible site for divers and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wooden freighters in an era of evolving maritime technology.

Keywords:

D. M. Wilson shipwreck, Lake Huron freighters, wooden bulk freighters, Great Lakes maritime history, shallow wreck dives.