Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Fontana
• Year Built: 1888
• Official Number: 120713
• Construction: Wooden Hull with a single Deck
• Builder: Simon Langell
• Built at: St. Clair, Michigan
• Original Owner: St. Clair Steamship Co., Port Huron, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 231.4 feet (70.5 meters); Beam: 39.1 feet (11.9 meters); Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,163.65
• Net Tonnage: 1,105.47
• Number of Masts: 4

Vessel Type

Wooden Schooner-Barge

Description

The Fontana was a wooden Schooner-Barge constructed in 1888 by shipbuilder Simon Langell in St. Clair, Michigan. Designed for bulk freight transport, she featured a single Deck and was rigged with four masts. With a length of 231.4 feet (70.5 meters), a beam of 39.1 feet (11.9 meters), and a depth of 9 feet (2.7 meters), the Fontana had a Gross Tonnage of 1,163.65 and a Net Tonnage of 1,105.47. She was initially owned by the St. Clair Steamship Co. of Port Huron, Michigan.

History

Launched in 1888, the Fontana entered service primarily in the iron ore trade, operating under the ownership of the St. Clair Steamship Co., a subsidiary of the Cleveland Iron Mining Co., which later became the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. in 1894. Throughout her operational life, the Fontana was frequently towed by steamers, transporting iron ore from ports such as Presque Isle, Michigan, to destinations like Cleveland, Ohio. On August 3, 1900, while being towed by the Steamer Kaliyuga and carrying 2,593 tons of iron ore, the Fontana collided with the Schooner Santiago, which was under tow by the Steamer Appomattox, in the St. Clair River near Fort Gratiot, Michigan. The collision resulted in a significant breach in the Fontana’s bow, causing her to sink rapidly. Tragically, one crew member, John McGregor, who was asleep in the Forecastle, lost his life in the incident.

Final Disposition

Following the collision, the Fontana’s Stern remained partially above water, posing a hazard to navigation in the busy St. Clair River. Despite being marked with buoys and lights, the wreck was involved in subsequent accidents. A few days after the initial sinking, the Schooner Kingfisher, under tow by the Steamer Samuel Marshall, collided with the submerged remains of the Fontana, causing further damage. Due to the swift currents and the challenges associated with salvage operations, no companies were willing to undertake the task of raising the wreck. Consequently, in October 1900, the United States government authorized the use of dynamite to demolish the remains of the Fontana, effectively eliminating the navigational hazard. 

Located By & Date Found

The remains of the Fontana were located near Fort Gratiot in the St. Clair River shortly after her sinking on August 3, 1900. Due to the immediate hazard posed to navigation, the wreck was demolished in October 1900, and no significant remnants are known to exist today.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current navigational warnings or advisories related to the Fontana, as the wreck was removed over a century ago.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessel History: Fontana (wooden)
• Wikipedia: Fontana (schooner)
• Clio: FONTANA (Marker #9)

The story of the Fontana serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by maritime vessels navigating the Great Lakes at the turn of the 20th century. Her brief but eventful service life, culminating in a tragic collision and subsequent removal, reflects the dynamic and often perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping during that era.