Shipwreck Report: MOORE, SMITH

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: MOORE, SMITH

• Type: Steam Barge

• Location: Lake Superior, off Grand Island near Munising, Michigan

• Coordinates: 46°27.33’

• Depth: 105 feet (33 meters)

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The MOORE, SMITH was a propeller-driven steam Barge, designed for the grain and ore trade on the Great Lakes.

• • Year Built: 1880
• • Builder: George Presley & Co., Cleveland, Ohio
• • Hull Features:
• • Head: Plain
• • Stern: Round
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 223.4 feet (68.1 meters)
• • Beam: 35 feet (10.7 meters)
• • Depth: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
• • Gross Tonnage: 1191.42
• • Net Tonnage: 1000.22
• • Capacity: 1600 tons
• • Engine:
• • Low-pressure Screw Propulsion, single cylinder (32 x 36 inches)
• • Built by Globe Iron Works, Cleveland
• • Boiler:
• • 10.5 x 18 feet, 60-pound steam Firebox Boiler

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

• Built in 1880 for Smith Moore et al., Cleveland, Ohio.

• Originally operated in the grain and ore trade, carrying bulk cargo between Cleveland, Ohio, and Marquette, Michigan.

Incidents and Operations

• February 1881: Grounded in Toledo, Ohio, but was freed and returned to service.

• September 1884: Damaged by fire while unloading cargo in Sandusky, Ohio.

• 1885: Ownership transferred to H.H. Brown and others, also from Cleveland.

• Operated in towing services, assisting vessels such as:

• GRACE HOLLAND

• JUDA

• S.H. KIMBALL

• Possibly FAYETTE BROWN and ALTA.

• May 1887: Boiler Rebuilt by Iron Bay Manufacturing Co.

Final Voyage and Sinking

• July 13, 1889: The MOORE, SMITH collided with the Steamer JAMES PICKAND in dense fog near Grand Island, Lake Superior.

• After the fog lifted, the M.M. DRAKE attempted to assist, but the MOORE, SMITH sank en route to Munising, Michigan.

• The vessel was carrying 1743 tons of iron ore at the time.

Registry Closure

• December 21, 1889: Official documents were surrendered, marking the end of the vessel’s service.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Cause of Loss: Collision with the Steamer JAMES PICKAND in fog.

• Location: Off Grand Island, Lake Superior.

• Cargo: 1743 tons of iron ore.

• Wreck Condition: Lies at a depth of 105 feet (33 meters), suitable for advanced divers.

SIGNIFICANCE IN MARITIME HISTORY

The MOORE, SMITH was a testament to the robust design of 19th-century steam barges that played a pivotal role in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Its contributions to the grain and iron ore trade highlight the economic importance of such vessels during the industrial boom of the late 19th century. Its tragic loss underscores the dangers faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes, especially in challenging weather conditions.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Depth: At 105 feet, the wreck is accessible to advanced divers with proper training and equipment.

• Wreck Features: The Hull and engine are likely preserved due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Superior, offering a glimpse into the design and construction of steam barges from the era.

TAGS

#MooreSmith #LakeSuperior #SteamBarge #Shipwreck #GreatLakesHistory #MaritimeDisaster #MunisingWrecks

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Maritime Database
• Historical Ship Registers
• NOAA Wreck Maps – Lake Superior
• 3DShipwrecks – Smith Moore

3D Model – Smith Moore

Smith Moore by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

CONCLUSION

The MOORE, SMITH exemplifies the critical role of steam barges in the 19th-century Great Lakes economy. Its loss off Grand Island is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by mariners and the hazards of navigation in unpredictable weather. Its wreck remains a poignant underwater memorial to the vessel and its crew.