Shipwreck Report: William H. Wolf (1887–1921)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: William H. Wolf
• Official Number: 81164
• Vessel Type: Wooden Bulk Freighter
• Built: 1887, by Wolf & Davidson Shipyard, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Final Location: Abreast of Marine City, Michigan (St. Clair River)
• Date Lost: October 20, 1921
• Cause: Fire
• Final Cargo: Light (no significant cargo)
• Loss of Life: 2 crew members lost
• Specifications
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Length: 285 feet (86.9 meters) Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters) Depth: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 2,266 gross
• Net Tonnage 1,791 net tons

Operational History

The William H. Wolf was built in 1887 by the Wolf & Davidson Shipyard of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The shipyard was one of the premier wooden shipbuilders of the time, and this vessel was a large bulk freighter, intended for the grain, iron ore, and coal trade on the Great Lakes. The vessel was well-known for its size and capacity, making it a valuable asset in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  During her launch, several spectators tragically drowned when she swamped.  She operated for 34 years before meeting her fate in the St. Clair River.

Final Voyage & Loss (October 20, 1921)

 The William H. Wolf was en route from Port Huron to Toledo when disaster struck. A fire broke out aboard the vessel—the exact cause remains unknown. Flames quickly consumed the ship, burning her down to the waterline. The vessel sank on the edge of the channel in the St. Clair River. Two crew members perished in the fire. In 1925, the wreck was removed and resunk at another location to prevent obstruction to navigation.

Wreck Site and Potential Remains

• Original Wreck Location: St. Clair River, near Marine City, Michigan
• Current Status: Relocated in 1925 to an unknown location
• Potential for Discovery:
  • As the vessel was intentionally resunk, the exact location is not well-documented.
  •  Historical sonar scans or dredging records may provide clues to its final resting place.

Legacy and Significance

One of the Largest Wooden Bulk Freighters At 285 feet long, the William H. Wolf was one of the larger wooden bulk freighters of its time. By the early 20th century, wooden ships were becoming obsolete, replaced by steel-hulled freighters.

The Tragic Launch Event Her initial launch was marred by tragedy, with multiple spectators drowning when the vessel swamped. This incident remains one of the more unusual launch disasters in Great Lakes history.

A Relocated Wreck The 1925 relocation of the wreck makes this vessel an intriguing mystery. If the final sinking site can be identified, it could provide insights into early 20th-century ship disposal and navigation safety efforts.

Further Research and Resources

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database – Records on William H. Wolf and other wooden bulk freighters.
• Wisconsin Maritime Museum – Research on Wolf & Davidson Shipyard.
• National Museum of the Great Lakes – https://nmgl.org
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

Conclusion

The William H. Wolf was a significant wooden bulk freighter that operated for over three decades on the Great Lakes. Her tragic launch, fiery destruction, and subsequent relocation make her one of the more mysterious shipwrecks in Great Lakes history.

While her final resting place remains uncertain, further research into historical records and underwater surveyscould provide more clues to her ultimate fate. 🚢🔥