Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: W.R. Clinton
• • Vessel Type: Originally a Sidewheel Steamer, later converted to a Three-Masted Schooner and subsequently a Lighter Barge
• • Year Built: 1866
• • Builder: David Lester, Newport (now Marine City), Michigan
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 160.8 feet (49 meters)
• • Beam: 24.7 feet (7.5 meters)
• • Depth: 9.7 feet (3 meters)
• • Gross Tonnage: Not specified
• • Final Location: Likely near Partridge Point, St. Mary’s River, coordinates 46°31.633’N, 84°14.215’W
• • Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The W.R. Clinton began its life as a Sidewheel Steamer, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. With its narrow beam and long length, the Steamer was well-suited for passenger transport. However, like many Great Lakes vessels, it underwent significant changes to adapt to the shifting demands of the region’s maritime trade. By the late 19th century, the Clinton was converted into a three-masted Schooner for freight purposes. Later, as its active service declined, it was reconstructed as a Lighter Barge, a vessel type used for salvage operations, highlighting its enduring utility.

History

• 1866: Built by David Lester in Newport (Marine City), Michigan, as a Sidewheel Steamer for passenger service.

• 1879-1880: Machinery removed and converted into a three-masted Schooner.

• 1894: Reconstructed as a Lighter Barge to support salvage operations. Owned by Thompson Towing and Wrecking Company of Port Huron but stationed at Sault Ste. Marie for work on the St. Mary’s River.

• 1890s: Acquired by the Great Lakes Towing Company and continued salvage work.

• 1905-1908: Abandoned or used as landfill near the locks on the Michigan side of the St. Mary’s River.

Final Disposition

The final fate of the W.R. Clinton remains uncertain, with conflicting reports about its ultimate resting place. While historical records suggest the vessel was Abandoned on the Michigan side of the river or used as landfill near the locks, the wreck found near Partridge Pointmatches the dimensions and characteristics of the Clinton. This has led to speculation that the wreck could indeed be the Clinton, though no definitive evidence confirms this identification.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wreck’s identifiable dimensions (159 feet in length and 24 feet in beam) strongly suggest it could have originally been a Sidewheel Steamer like the Clinton. However, the wreck’s current condition and level of preservation are not well-documented.

• Accessibility: Located near Partridge Point, the site could be of interest to maritime historians and divers seeking to explore potential connections to the Clinton. Care should be taken, as the exact condition of the wreck remains unclear.

Significance

The W.R. Clinton reflects the adaptability of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels, transitioning through multiple roles during its lifetime: passenger Steamer, freight Schooner, and salvage Barge. The mystery surrounding its final location adds intrigue to its story, as the wreck near Partridge Point could potentially link to one of the region’s most versatile and enduring vessels.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: W.R. Clinton details

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of vessel conversions and abandonments

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Partridge Point wreck information

Conclusion

The W.R. Clinton represents a vessel with a rich history of adaptation, transitioning to meet the evolving demands of Great Lakes maritime commerce. While its final disposition remains shrouded in mystery, the wreck near Partridge Point offers a compelling case for further exploration. Identifying the wreck conclusively as the Clinton would provide valuable insights into the life cycle of Great Lakes vessels and their ultimate fates. The wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s dynamic maritime history and the vessels that shaped it.