Identification & Site Information

•Name: Barge No. 4

•Type: Wooden railroad car Ferry Barge

•Hull Number: 71

•Built: 1896, by Craig Shipbuilding Company, Toledo, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length: 306.4 feet (93.38 m)

•Width: 46.6 feet (14.2 m)

•Depth: 12.2 feet (3.72 m)

•Tonnage: Gross and Net Tonnage of 1581

•Owner: Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company, a subsidiary of Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad, Peshtigo, Wisconsin

•Cargo at Time of Loss: Pulpwood

•Date Lost: November 12, 1900

•Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie

•Cause of Loss: Severe storm

•Casualties: No loss of life

Vessel Type Description

Barge No. 4 was a wooden railroad car Ferry Barge designed to carry 28 railroad cars. Its size and capacity made it a critical component of the railway transportation system, bridging gaps in rail networks by ferrying cars across the Great Lakes.

History

Built in 1896 by the Craig Shipbuilding Company in Toledo, Ohio, Barge No. 4 was part of a fleet owned by the Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company. The vessel served as a key link in the transport of goods, including bulk materials such as pulpwood, which was its cargo on its final voyage.

The Barge, along with its sister ship, Barge No. 3, encountered a severe storm on November 12, 1900, while being towed by the Tug S.M. Fischer near Long Point, Lake Erie. Despite efforts to save the vessels, both Foundered in the turbulent waters. Fortunately, the crew of Barge No. 4 was safely rescued before the vessel was Abandoned.

Final Disposition

Barge No. 4 sank near Long Point, Lake Erie, and its remains rest alongside those of Barge No. 3. Both wrecks represent a stark reminder of the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, especially during powerful storms.

Located By & Date Found

The remains of Barge No. 4 have not been specifically documented or located with precise coordinates. The site is believed to be near Long Point, Lake Erie, where it sank in 1900.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notice to Mariners (NOTMARs) or marked Navigation Hazards exist for the wreck of Barge No. 4. However, its status as a submerged hazard near Long Point is noted in historical accounts.

Legacy and Historical Context

The loss of Barge No. 4, along with Barge No. 3, underscores the perilous conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. The incident highlights the role of these barges in the regional transportation infrastructure and the vulnerability of early 20th-century shipping to the forces of nature.

Resources & Links

1.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical documentation of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository for regional maritime incidents and vessel records.

3.Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center: Offers insights into shipwreck sites and preservation efforts.

Keywords

•Barge No. 4 Shipwreck

•Lake Erie Maritime Disasters

•Great Lakes Railroad Car Ferries

•Long Point Shipwrecks

•Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad History

•1900 Great Lakes Storm Losses