Type: Wooden Bulk Freighter

• Lengths: 209.4 ft (63.8 m)
• Beam: 36.2 ft (11 m)
• Depth: 17.9 ft (5.5 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,189.56 tons
• Net Tonnage: 905.38 tons
• Location: Approximately 13 miles southeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota, Lake Superior
• Depth of Wreck: 235 ft (71.6 m)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• • Name: Robert Wallace
• • Construction:
• • Builder: Unknown, built in Cleveland, Ohio
• • Year Built: 1882
• • Propulsion: Screw Propulsion system
• • Engine:
• • For-and-aft compound engine with two cylinders
• • Manufactured by Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio
• • 550 horsepower at 86 RPM
• • Boiler: Scotch boiler with steam pressure of 100 pounds
• • Ownership:
• • Owned by David Wallace and others, Black River, Ohio (Lorain)

HISTORY

• Purpose: Transporting iron ore from Minnesota’s Iron Range to manufacturing centers in the eastern United States.

• Service Life: 20 years as a reliable wooden bulk freighter.

• Cargo at Time of Loss: Iron ore.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Date of Incident: November 17, 1902

• Cause of Sinking:

• Stress from towing caused the Stern post to tear out.

• A burst steam pipe compounded the vessel’s issues.

• Outcome: The vessel Foundered and sank approximately 13 miles southeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota, in Lake Superior.

DISCOVERY

• Year Discovered: September 2006

• Depth: Wreck lies at 235 ft (71.6 m) below the surface.

• Condition of Wreck:

• Hull separated along the stem; both sides remain largely intact.

• Stern structure is mostly preserved.

• Bow partially broken, offering detailed views of Hull construction.

• Artifacts: A bronze bell engraved with the ship’s name remains attached to the wooden rail.

3D Model – Robert Wallace

Shipwreck Wallace by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

SIGNIFICANCE

The discovery of the Robert Wallace wreck provided unique archaeological insights into wooden bulk freighters of the 19th century. Its well-preserved state allowed for the study of Hull construction and engineering features rarely available at other wreck sites. The ship represents a key link in the historical transport of raw materials from Minnesota’s Iron Range to America’s industrial heartland.

REFERENCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Ships
• Great Lakes Ships
• 3DShipwrecks – Robert Wallace

This structured report ensures clarity and preserves the historical and archaeological significance of the Robert Wallace.