The Mighty Sagamore: A Remarkable Whaleback Barge

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Sagamore
• Vessel Type: Whaleback Barge
• Year Built: 1892
• Builder: American Steel Barge Company
• Material: Steel
• Dimensions:
• Length: 308 feet (93.9 meters)
• Beam: 38 feet (11.6 meters)
• Draft: 24 feet (7.3 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,601 tons
• Registry: Marquette, Michigan
• Owner: Huron Barge Company, managed by Pickands, Mather and Company, Ashtabula, Ohio
• Final Location: Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, near Iroquois Point
• Date of Loss: July 29, 1901
• GPS Coordinates 46° 31.081′  N 084° 37.910′ W
• Depth at Wreck Site: 45–65 feet (13.7–19.8 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Sagamore was a Whaleback Barge, part of an innovative fleet of 44 such vessels built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Characterized by their low, rounded hulls and cigar-like shape, Whaleback barges were designed for efficiency in carrying bulk cargo such as iron ore. The Sagamore, typically towed by the Whaleback Steamer Pathfinder, exemplified this design with its sturdy steel construction and high capacity.

HISTORY

Construction and Service (1892–1901):

•Built by the American Steel Barge Company, the Sagamore was a remarkable example of engineering, capable of impressive feats such as unloading 3,200 tons of iron ore in just 8 hours at Ashtabula in 1893.

•The Barge primarily operated on the Great Lakes, transporting bulk cargo under the ownership of the Huron Barge Company.

Final Voyage and Tragic Collision (1901):

•On July 29, 1901, the Sagamore was anchored near Iroquois Point in Whitefish Bay, alongside its consort, the Pathfinder. The dense fog characteristic of the area led to its tragic demise.

•The steel Steamer Northern Queen, unable to see the anchored Barge, collided with the Sagamore, tearing through its Hull.

•The Sagamore quickly filled with water and sank. Three crew members, including Captain E. Joiner, the cook, and a sailor, perished in the collision.

WRECK DISCOVERY AND SIGNIFICANCE

Discovery (1962):

The wreck was discovered in 1962 by explorers Jack Brosco and Robert McCormick.

Condition of the Wreck:

•The wreck lies upright and mostly intact on a gravel bottom.

•Key features include triple tow rings on the bow, wide-open hatches, and excellent lighting conditions for divers.

•Despite artifact removal over the years, the wreck remains a fascinating site for shipwreck historians and divers.

Preservation Efforts:

•Artifacts recovered from the wreck are now owned by the State of Michigan and are displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

•The Sagamore is part of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, a protected area that safeguards the wreck and its historical value.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Sagamore sank on July 29, 1901, after a collision with the Northern Queen in Whitefish Bay. Its wreck site is now an underwater museum and a popular diving destination.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•The wreck is protected under Michigan state preservation laws as part of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

•Divers are required to respect these laws, leaving the wreck undisturbed.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Discovered: 1962

•Discoverers: Jack Brosco and Robert McCormick

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck is well-preserved and accessible to divers, lying at a depth of 45–65 feet. Its structural integrity and unique design make it a compelling site for exploration. Divers are urged to exercise caution and follow preservation guidelines.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
• Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• 3DShipwrecks – Sagamore

KEYWORDS

#Sagamore #Whaleback Barge #Lake Superior #Whitefish Bay Shipwreck #Great Lakes Maritime History #Pickands, Mather and Company #Underwater Preserve

CONCLUSION

The Sagamore stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Whaleback Barge design and the industrious spirit of Great Lakes shipping. Its tragic end in 1901 and its subsequent preservation as an underwater museum highlight both the risks and the legacy of maritime commerce. Today, the wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich history and a captivating destination for divers and historians alike.

3D Model – Sagamore

Whaleback Barge Sagamore by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab