Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Zillah (formerly Edward Smith)
• Type: Steam Screw Vessel
• Gross Tonnage: 748 tons
• Net Tonnage: 583 tons
• Dimensions: Length: 201.7 feet Beam: 37.0 feet Depth: 13.0 feet
• Year Built: March 31, 1890
• Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
• Owner (1926): Not specified in records
• Location of Wreck: Whitefish Point, Minnesota
• Date of Loss: August 29, 1926

Vessel Type Description

The Zillah was a Steam Screw Vessel, powered by a steam engine driving a single screw (propeller). Built in 1890 as the Edward Smith and renamed in 1900, it was a mid-sized freighter designed for the efficient transport of goods across the Great Lakes. Its construction featured a steel Hull, typical of vessels from the late 19th century, built to withstand the challenges of Great Lakes navigation, including strong currents and unpredictable weather.

History

The Zillah began its service life in 1890 under the name Edward Smith, participating in the busy commerce of the Great Lakes. It was a workhorse vessel, designed to carry bulk cargo such as coal, iron ore, or grain. In 1900, the ship was renamed Zillah and continued its operations, adapting to the evolving needs of maritime commerce on the lakes.

The Final Voyage

On August 29, 1926, while navigating near Whitefish Point in Lake Superior, the Zillah encountered an incident that caused the vessel to founder. Despite the severity of the situation, all 12 persons aboard the vessel survived, avoiding what could have been a tragic loss of life. The specifics of the foundering, including the cause, were not detailed in the available historical records. It remains unknown whether mechanical failure, poor weather, or other factors contributed to the ship’s sinking.

The vessel’s loss was documented in the Merchant Vessel List of the U.S. for 1927, but it provides no further information beyond the survival of the crew and the location of the incident.

Final Disposition

The Zillah Foundered at Whitefish Point and was declared a Total Loss. The wreck’s location and condition are not well-documented, and it is unclear if the ship has been formally located or explored.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the Zillah. Its remains are undocumented and presumed to be at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Superior near Whitefish Point.

Located By & Date

Discovery: There is no confirmed record of the wreck being located. Its exact resting place and condition remain unknown.

Resources & Links

• Merchant Vessel List of the U.S. (1927): Records the loss of the Zillah and the survival of its crew.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A potential source for more in-depth historical data.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: May have related archival material on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Provides context on shipwrecks in the Whitefish Point area.

Conclusion

The Zillah‘s foundering in 1926 adds to the rich history of Great Lakes maritime disasters. Despite the vessel’s loss, the survival of all aboard is a testament to the resilience and preparedness of its crew. The story of the Zillah remains incomplete due to the lack of detailed records about the incident and the wreck’s current status, leaving an open chapter in the history of Lake Superior shipwrecks.

Keywords

#Zillah #EdwardSmith #GreatLakesShipwrecks #WhitefishPoint #LakeSuperiorWrecks #SteamScrewVessels #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesDisasters