Identification & Site Information

• Name: Acadia
• Official Number: C 77697
• Type at Loss: Propeller, Wood (Iron-Framed)
• Build Info: 1867, Malcolmson Bros., Hamilton, Ontario
• Specifications: Length: 176 ft (53.6 m) Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m)Depth: 10 ft (3 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 806 gt
• Net Tonnage: 509 nt
• Date of Loss: November 5, 1896
• Place of Loss: Near the mouth of the Michipicoten River, Ontario
• Lake: Superior
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Grain

Vessel Type Description

The Acadia was a wooden-hulled, iron-framed Propeller Steamer, a hybrid design common in the late 19th century as shipbuilders transitioned from traditional wooden construction to more durable iron and steel materials. Initially built as a smaller vessel, Acadia was lengthened in 1881-82 to increase her cargo capacity, reflecting the growing demands of Great Lakes commerce. This type of vessel was primarily used to transport bulk goods such as grain, coal, and iron ore, playing a critical role in the industrial economy of Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region.

History

The Acadia enjoyed a nearly 30-year career on the Great Lakes, adapting to the evolving maritime landscape through structural modifications and consistent service in the bulk freight sector.

• 1867: Built by the Malcolmson Brothers in Hamilton, Ontario, the Acadia began service as a mid-sized freighter. At her launch, she measured 136 ft in length with a beam of 25 ft and a depth of 7 ft.
•  1881-1882: To accommodate increasing cargo demands, Acadia was lengthened by 40 ft during the winter at Port Dalhousie, bringing her total length to 176 ft. This modification significantly boosted her capacity, enabling her to better compete in the grain and coal transport markets.
• Service Years: The Acadia operated extensively on Lakes Ontario, Huron, and Superior, regularly navigating the Welland Canal. Her hybrid wooden and iron frame allowed for both durability and flexibility in the face of harsh Great Lakes weather conditions.

Final Voyage & Loss

On November 5, 1896, the Acadia encountered a violent storm while navigating near the mouth of the Michipicoten River on Lake Superior. Battling gale-force winds and treacherous waves, the vessel was ultimately driven ashore. The relentless pounding of the storm broke up the ship, rendering it a Total Loss.

Despite the ship’s destruction, the entire crew survived the initial wreck. However, the ordeal did not end there—five crew members embarked on a grueling journey to reach safety in Sault Ste. Marie, enduring over a week in harsh conditions before finally making it to civilization.

Final Disposition

The Acadia was broken apart by the storm and left to decay along the shores of Lake Superior near the Michipicoten River. There is no record of salvage attempts or recovery, and the remains likely sank or were scattered along the shoreline, contributing to the underwater heritage of the region.

Located By & Date Found

• Located By: No official discovery of the wreck site has been documented.
• Date Found: The wreck remains undiscovered or unconfirmed.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

• NOTMARs: None currently issued for this wreck site.
• Advisories: Mariners in the area should exercise caution due to potential submerged debris near the mouth of the Michipicoten River.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Archival records on Acadia and other Great Lakes vessels.
• Great Lakes Ships Database – Vessel details and photographs, including images of Acadia in the Welland Canal.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File – Comprehensive data on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Northern Ontario Historical Archives – Documentation on the Michipicoten River and maritime history of Northern Ontario.
• Hamilton Historical Society – Information on shipbuilding at Malcolmson Bros. shipyard.

Conclusion

The Acadia represents the resilience and evolution of Great Lakes freighters during the late 19th century. Her hybrid construction, lengthening modifications, and long service life underscore the adaptability of vessels during a time of rapid industrial growth. The dramatic circumstances of her final voyage—from the violent storm that drove her ashore to the crew’s harrowing escape—serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Although her wreck remains undiscovered, the Acadia continues to be a symbol of maritime history in Lake Superior’s treacherous waters.

Keywords Acadia shipwreck, Malcolmson Bros. shipbuilding, Lake Superior shipwrecks, Michipicoten River maritime history, Great Lakes freighters, Welland Canal vessels, Ontario shipwrecks, 19th-century grain transport, Port Dalhousie Shipyards, iron-framed wooden ships.