IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: J.L. Beckwith (formerly known as James L. Beckwith)

Other Names: James L. Beckwith

Type: Propeller Packet Vessel

Tonnage:

•Gross: 61 tons

•Net: 33 tons

Dimensions:

•Length: 67 feet (20.4 meters)

•Beam: 23 feet (7.0 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

Year Built: 1873, by Union Drydock Co., Buffalo, New York

Final Location: Near Sandy Point or Sandy Island, Lake Superior

Year of Loss: July 26, 1912

Depth: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The J.L. Beckwith, originally named James L. Beckwith, was a wooden propeller Packet vessel that served as a Ferry and excursion boat. These vessels were integral to 19th and early 20th-century Great Lakes communities, providing vital passenger and cargo transport. With its compact design and versatile propulsion system, the J.L. Beckwith was well-suited for the bustling trade and leisure activities on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

Built in 1873, the J.L. Beckwith was constructed as a Packet vessel designed for ferrying passengers and facilitating excursions, reflecting the growing demand for maritime transportation in the region. Registered initially under its full name, the vessel was later renamed J.L. Beckwith, marking a new chapter in its operational life.

On July 26, 1912, the J.L. Beckwith set out on Lake Superior, likely departing from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. During its voyage, the vessel encountered a severe storm, a common peril on the Great Lakes. The ferocious weather overwhelmed the ship, and it met its tragic end near either Sandy Point or Sandy Island. The precise details of the loss, including possible fatalities or cargo details, remain unclear, contributing to the mystery surrounding its final moments.

This incident underscores the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions on Lake Superior, which have claimed numerous vessels and lives over the years.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The J.L. Beckwith was lost to a storm in 1912, with conflicting reports placing the wreck near Sandy Point or Sandy Island. The exact wreck site has not been definitively located or explored, leaving the vessel’s final resting place an enduring mystery.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are associated with the wreck of the J.L. Beckwith. Mariners in the area of Sandy Point or Sandy Island should exercise caution, as the region’s history suggests the presence of potential underwater hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck’s precise location has not been documented, and the site remains unconfirmed. Historical records note its loss as part of the broader narrative of Great Lakes maritime disasters.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given the wooden construction of the J.L. Beckwith and the length of time since its sinking, the wreck is likely in a severely deteriorated state, if it has survived at all. Without definitive location or condition reports, diving opportunities are unavailable, and the wreck remains unexplored.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The J.L. Beckwith’s operational history as a Ferry and excursion boat highlights the critical role such vessels played in regional development and recreation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tragedy of its sinking in 1912 adds to the storied history of Lake Superior, where unpredictable storms have made it the final resting place for many ships.

DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the wreck’s depth and condition, it is recommended that only advanced divers explore the site if located in the future. Preservation efforts and respect for the wreck’s historical significance should guide any exploratory missions.

TAGS

#J.L.Beckwith

#JamesLBeckwith

#LakeSuperior

#GreatLakesShipwreck

#19thCenturyPacketVessel

#MaritimeHistory

#Shipwreck

CONCLUSION

The J.L. Beckwith was a small yet vital component of the Great Lakes maritime industry, serving as both a Ferry and an excursion boat. Its tragic loss in 1912 during a storm on Lake Superior reflects the ever-present risks faced by mariners in these waters. The wreck’s story, while incomplete, remains an important part of the historical fabric of the Great Lakes and serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges of early maritime travel.