IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Oconto

Type: Propeller Steamboat

Year Built: 1872

Built By: Rand (Hull); Machinery salvaged from Skylark

Dimensions: Length: 142 feet (43.28 meters), Beam: 28 feet (8.53 meters), Draft: 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 meters)

Gross Tonnage: 535 tons

Location of Wreck: Granite State Shoal, American Narrows, St. Lawrence River

Depth of Wreck: 140 to 180 feet (42.67 to 54.86 meters)

Coordinates: N44 18.750’, W76 01.973’

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Oconto was a wooden propeller Steamboat designed for versatility in both passenger and freight transport. Equipped with machinery salvaged from the earlier vessel Skylark, the Oconto exemplified the adaptation and reuse practices common in 19th-century shipbuilding. With its moderate size and Draft, the Steamer was well-suited for navigating the diverse routes of Lake Michigan and later the St. Lawrence River.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service:

Built during the winter of 1871-1872 and launched in April 1872, the Oconto began its career under the ownership of the Goodrich Steamboat Line, a prominent operator in the Great Lakes region. It was outfitted for passenger and freight services, playing a role in the burgeoning Lake Michigan tourist trade and serving the West shore route.

The Oconto was characterized as a reliable and capable vessel, often praised for its performance in challenging conditions. It was noted for surviving incidents that claimed other ships, such as the loss of the Alpena, highlighting its reputation as a sturdy and dependable Steamer.

Notable Incidents:

•September 20, 1880: While docking in Green Bay under Captain F.W. Stafford, the Oconto was embroiled in controversy over a devastating fire that destroyed the Aston Planing Mill and adjacent properties. The fire, exacerbated by a gale, led to lawsuits alleging the Oconto’s smokestack emitted sparks that caused the blaze. After six years of litigation, the courts ruled in favor of the Goodrich Company.

•The Oconto faced occasional difficulties with Lake Michigan’s harsh ice conditions but remained a fixture on its routes, serving faithfully for over a decade.

Ownership Changes:

On August 15, 1883, the Oconto was sold to George L. Caldwell of Harrisonville, Michigan, for $13,500. This marked the transition of the vessel from its initial owner to its later service life, eventually leading to its demise.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On an unknown date, the Oconto met its fate on Granite State Shoal in the American Narrows of the St. Lawrence River, near Rock Island Light. The vessel rests in deep waters ranging from 140 to 180 feet, broken into two main sections. Parts of the wreck lie upright, while others are upside down, making the site a jumble of timber and remnants of the ship’s structure. Notably, a small metal boat—possibly one of the Oconto’s metallic lifeboats—is visible among the wreckage.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Oconto wreck site, but divers and mariners navigating the American Narrows should exercise caution due to the region’s strong currents and submerged hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Oconto has been documented by divers and maritime historians, though the exact discovery date is not specified. Its position in the St. Lawrence Seaway makes it a notable site for underwater exploration.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition:

The wreck is broken into two sections, with some portions lying upright and others inverted. Over time, the wooden structure has deteriorated, blending into the riverbed. Strong currents add to the challenges of exploration, though the depth helps preserve some elements of the wreck.

•Accessibility:

Situated in deep water (140 to 180 feet), the Oconto wreck is suitable for technical divers with appropriate training and equipment. The site’s powerful current demands experience and preparation.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•“Red Stacks Over the Horizon” by James L. Elliott: Chronicles the history of the Goodrich Steamboat Line and vessels like the Oconto.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides historical context and vessel records for the region.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Offers detailed documentation of ship histories and incidents.

KEYWORDS

Oconto, propeller Steamboat, Granite State Shoal, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, American Narrows, Rock Island Light, Goodrich Steamboat Line, wooden Steamer, 19th-century maritime history, technical dive site.

ANALYSIS

The Oconto represents the enduring legacy of 19th-century Great Lakes steamers that later transitioned to other waterways. Its robust construction, repurposed machinery, and adaptability to different roles underscore the ingenuity of the era’s shipbuilders. The vessel’s ultimate demise and its resting place in the turbulent waters of the St. Lawrence River illustrate the challenges faced by early maritime industries. Today, the Oconto serves as a compelling subject for technical divers and maritime historians, contributing to the underwater heritage of the Great Lakes and the Seaway.