Wreck Report: Roswell P. Flower (Also Known as Agnes W.)

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Roswell P. Flower (later renamed Agnes W.)

•Type: Bulk Freighter

•Dimensions: 264 feet (80.5 meters) length, 38.1 feet (11.6 meters) beam, 17.7 feet (5.4 meters) depth

•Location of Loss: Drummond Island, Lake Huron

•Coordinates: 45º 55.741’ North, 83º 42.859’ West

•Depth of Wreck: 15 feet (4.5 meters)

•Build Date: 1887

•Builder: Wolf & Davidson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

•Original Owner: Milwaukee Steamship Company

•Cargo Capacity: 2400 tons

•Final Cargo: Grain

Vessel Type Description

The Roswell P. Flower was a robust bulk freighter constructed to transport significant quantities of grain and other goods across the Great Lakes. With its wooden Hull reinforced for durability, a single Screw Propulsion system powered by an 850-horsepower engine, and dual stacks for ventilation, the vessel was a prime example of late-19th-century engineering for Great Lakes trade.

History

Early Years and Service

Launched in 1887, the Roswell P. Flower played a critical role in the grain trade, facilitating the movement of agricultural commodities essential to the Great Lakes economy. Owned initially by the Milwaukee Steamship Company, the vessel saw frequent service between major lake ports, towing additional barges such as the Donaldson, C.P. Grover, and Lem Ellsworth to increase its carrying capacity.

Incidents and Groundings

The Roswell P. Flower experienced several maritime incidents during its career:

•1887: Shortly after its launch, the freighter ran aground in Milwaukee, requiring repairs.

•1890: The vessel ran aground on Cedar Point Shoal, Lake Erie.

•1892: It wrecked on a reef near Waugoschance Point, Straits of Mackinac, but was salvaged and returned to service.

Despite these challenges, the freighter’s resilience kept it in operation for over three decades, undergoing ownership changes and eventual renaming to Agnes W. in 1915.

Final Voyage

In July 1918, the vessel, loaded with grain, attempted to navigate into the St. Mary’s River during a storm. Struggling against severe weather, the freighter stranded at Canada Point on Drummond Island, Lake Huron. Pounded by waves, the Roswell P. Flower broke apart and sank. Efforts to salvage the vessel were Abandoned, sealing its fate as a permanent feature of Lake Huron’s underwater landscape.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Roswell P. Flower lies in shallow water near Traverse Point on the south side of Drummond Island. The vessel’s lower Hull remains intact, measuring approximately 180 feet in length and 35 feet in width. Surrounding wreckage, including large timbers and metal components, is scattered among rocks, making the site accessible yet requiring care when approaching.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: Accessible for divers, snorkelers, and kayakers.

•Advisories: Due to the shallow depth and rocky surroundings, the site is best approached during calm weather. Navigators should exercise caution to avoid damaging the wreck or their vessels.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Roswell P. Flower has been well-known since its sinking in 1918. Its proximity to Drummond Island makes it a popular site for divers and maritime historians.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Roswell P. Flower is a shallow wreck, lying in 15 feet (4.5 meters) of water, making it an ideal site for exploration by recreational divers and snorkelers. The relatively well-preserved lower Hull and scattered wreckage offer a tangible glimpse into the ship’s construction and operational history.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed shipwreck reports.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Insights into the region’s maritime heritage.

•Visit Drummond Island: Local tourism and dive information.

Impact of Loss

The sinking of the Roswell P. Flower, later known as the Agnes W., marked the end of an era for the wooden-hulled bulk freighters that dominated Great Lakes trade in the late 19th century. Its repeated groundings and eventual destruction highlight the persistent dangers faced by vessels navigating these vast and often unforgiving waters.

Keywords

•Roswell P. Flower

•Agnes W.

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•Lake Huron Wrecks

•Drummond Island

•Bulk Freighter

•19th-Century Maritime History

Conclusion

The Roswell P. Flower, a pioneering bulk freighter, serves as a testament to the ingenuity and challenges of Great Lakes shipping. Resting in shallow water near Drummond Island, the wreck offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history, drawing divers and historians alike to uncover its stories beneath the waves.