Steamer Annie Young (1869)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Annie Young
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 1760
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden propeller bulk freighter
• Builder: Campbell & Owen, Detroit, Michigan (Later Detroit Dry Dock Co.)
• Hull Number: 9
• Year Built & Launched: 1869
•  Specifications:  Length: 157 ft (47.9 m) Beam: 32 ft (9.8 m) Depth: 13 ft (4.0 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 1,006 GT
  • Net Tonnage: 793 NT
• Rebuilt: 1878
• Date Lost: October 20, 1890
• Location of Loss: Off Lexington, Michigan, Lake Huron
• Cause of Loss: Fire
• Loss of Life: 9 of 22 crew members lost
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal

Vessel Description & History

The Annie Young was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter, originally built in 1869 as a package freighter by Campbell & Owen in Detroit, Michigan. She was the first bulk freighter built by the company, which later became Detroit Dry Dock Co., a major Great Lakes shipbuilder. She initially served with the Anchor Line, one of the largest shipping companies on the lakes, before being transferred to the Lake Superior Transit Company, which operated freighters primarily on Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan.

In 1878, she was Rebuilt, likely to increase her cargo capacity or reinforce her aging wooden structure. By 1890, she was primarily hauling coal, a critical fuel source for industrializing Great Lakes cities.

Final Voyage & Loss

On October 20, 1890, the Annie Young was sailing from Buffalo, New York, to Gladstone, Michigan, loaded with coal, when fire broke out aboard the vessel while off Lexington, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The fire spread rapidly, overwhelming the crew’s ability to contain it. As the flames engulfed the ship, the crew attempted to launch lifeboats. Tragically, one of the lifeboats swamped, drowning nine crew members before they could escape The remaining 13 survivors were rescued by the passing Steamer Edward Smith, despite worsening weather conditions.

Captain Mitchell of the Edward Smith was later awarded a Lifesaving Medal for his heroic efforts in rescuing the survivors amid the storm. The Annie Young burned to the waterline and sank, leaving no chance of recovery.

Final Disposition & Salvage

July 1891: The wreck was auctioned off.  Her machinery was removed by the buyer, but the Hull was not salvaged and remains lost.

Located By & Date Found

No known modern discovery of the wreck. Given her wooden construction and extensive fire damage, any remains may be scattered debris on the lakebed.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No modern navigational hazards associated with this vessel.  Lexington, Michigan, and surrounding Lake Huron waters are known for shipwrecks, with many vessels lost due to storms and fire.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Annie Young was an early bulk freighter, playing a crucial role in Great Lakes coal transport before meeting a tragic end in 1890 due to fire at sea. The loss of nine crew members highlights the dangers of wooden steamships, where fire was one of the greatest threats. Though her machinery was salvaged in 1891, her wreck remains undiscovered, part of Lake Huron’s vast maritime history.