Identification & Site Information

•Name: James H. Shrigley

•Type: Steambarge

•Year Built: 1881

•Builder: Milwaukee Shipyard Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

•Official Number: 76214

•Construction: Wooden Hull, diagonal strapped frames, iron-lined boiler house

•Engine: Steeple compound engine with two cylinders (19 + 40 x 30 inches), 350 horsepower

•Propulsion: Single propeller

•Dimensions:

•Length: 171.6 feet (52.3 metres)

•Beam: 31.2 feet (9.5 metres)

•Depth of Hold: 11.6 feet (3.5 metres)

•Tonnage:

•Gross Tons: 459.92

•Net Tons: 364.58

•Final Voyage: August 18, 1920

•Final Location of Wreck: Half a mile off Braddocks Point Lighthouse, near Charlotte, New York, Lake Ontario

•Condition: Wrecked while carrying coal; crew rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Vessel Type Description

The James H. Shrigley was a robust steambarge designed for heavy-duty cargo transport, integral to the economic development of the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century. The vessel combined wooden craftsmanship with reinforced elements like diagonal strapped frames and an iron-lined boiler house, reflecting advanced shipbuilding techniques of the era. Its steeple compound engine provided reliable propulsion for towing operations and carrying bulk goods, particularly lumber and coal.

Detailed History of the James H. Shrigley

Constructed in 1881 by the Milwaukee Shipyard Co., the James H. Shrigley was a testament to the industrial ingenuity of its time. The vessel’s design allowed it to haul massive cargo loads—606,000 feet of lumber—essential for meeting the industrial demands of the growing United States.

Initially owned by John Canfield and James Shrigley of Manistee, Michigan, the steambarge served primarily in transporting lumber and coal. Throughout its operational life, the James H. Shrigley endured the hazards of Great Lakes navigation, including machinery failures, fires, collisions, and groundings, showcasing its resilience.

The vessel’s 350-horsepower engine, manufactured in Philadelphia, enabled it to perform both as a cargo transporter and as a tow vessel for other barges, contributing to its versatility and importance in maritime trade.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On August 18, 1920, the James H. Shrigley met its demise while transporting coal near Charlotte, New York, in Lake Ontario. The exact circumstances of the wreck are unclear, but the ship’s crew was successfully rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, and no lives were lost. The vessel now rests half a mile off Braddocks Point Lighthouse, adding to the maritime heritage of Lake Ontario.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The James H. Shrigley is emblematic of the industrious spirit of the Great Lakes shipping industry. As a vessel that operated for nearly 40 years, it provides a glimpse into the technological and operational challenges of 19th and early 20th-century shipping. The wreck site near Braddocks Point Lighthouse remains a significant marker of this maritime history, preserving the story of an era defined by industrial progress and maritime resilience.

Resources & Links

•Online Databases:

•Great Lakes Vessels Index

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes – David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Libraries & Museums:

•National Museum of the Great Lakes

•Manistee County Historical Museum

•Wisconsin Maritime Museum

•Research Archives:

•Library and Archives Canada – Shipbuilding Records

•Great Lakes Historical Society Archives

•Detroit Marine Historian Shipwreck Database

•U.S. Coast Guard Historical Reports:

•Rescue Operations Archive

Conclusion

The James H. Shrigley symbolizes the hardworking vessels that powered the economic engine of the Great Lakes during a transformative period. Its service history, culminating in its final resting place near Braddocks Point Lighthouse, continues to inspire interest and research into the rich maritime heritage of the region.

Tags

•#GreatLakes

•#LakeOntario

•#JamesHShrigley

•#Steambarge

•#MaritimeHistory

•#Shipwreck

•#HistoricalDiving

•#BraddocksPoint