Identification & Site Information

• Name: Puritan (later Ottawa, George M. Cox)
• Type: Steel-Hulled Propeller Ship
• Year Built: 1901
• Builder: Craig Ship Building Company, Toledo, Ohio
• Dimensions (post-1908): Length: 300 feet (91.44 meters) Beam: 40.5 feet (12.34 meters)Depth: 21.9 feet (6.68 meters)
• Tonnage:Gross: 1762 tons Net: 1267 tons
• Engine: Triple expansion with three cylinders
• Boilers: Four scotch boilers (11 ft by 10 ft) generating 1700 HP at 110 rpm
• Location: Rock of Ages Reef, near Rock of Ages Lighthouse, Lake Superior
• Depth: Ranges from 40 to 100 feet (12 to 30 meters)
• Final Disposition: Ran aground and stranded on May 27, 1933

Vessel Type Description

The Puritan was a steel-hulled propeller-driven vessel with three decks and four watertight bulkheads, designed for passenger and cargo transport. Initially constructed as Ottawa, it was later outfitted with 60 staterooms and modernized to operate as both a transport and luxury cruise ship. The ship served various routes on the Great Lakes and was known for its robust design, accommodating both practical utility and passenger comfort.

Construction & Early Career (1901–1908)

Built in 1901 by the Craig Ship Building Company, the vessel was initially intended to serve as Ottawa for the Chicago Steamship Company but was sold before completion. As Puritan, it operated on key routes between Chicago, Michigan ports, and the Upper Peninsula.

• 1902: Addition of 60 staterooms, enhancing passenger accommodations.
• 1905: Reboilered for better efficiency, followed by lengthening in 1908, increasing its capacity and tonnage.

Later Career & U.S. Navy Service (1918–1931)

During World War I, the Puritan was transferred to the U.S. Navy in April 1918 but was never deployed as a troop transport. After the war, it returned to commercial service with various owners, including the Chicago, Racine & Milwaukee Line and Michigan Transit Company. During the 1920s, it was used for overnight cruises, offering a mix of transportation and leisure.

Challenges & Ownership Changes (1927–1933) Struggling during the Great Depression, the Puritan became idle in 1931. In May 1933, it was sold to the Isle Royale Transit Company, remodeled, and renamed George M. Cox, intended for a new route to Lake Superior.

Final Voyage (May 27, 1933)

On its maiden voyage as the George M. Cox, the vessel ran aground on Rock of Ages Reef near Isle Royale. Despite salvage attempts, the ship broke apart over time, its remains scattered by weather and rough waters.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the George M. Cox lies at a depth ranging from 40 to 100 feet, making it accessible to divers of varying experience levels. The site contains remnants of the vessel’s machinery, equipment, propeller, and steel plates, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century shipbuilding and maritime history. The wreck’s proximity to the Rock of Ages Lighthouse adds to its historical and diving appeal.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical records of Great Lakes vessels.
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed information about the ship’s construction, service, and demise.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival details on shipwrecks, including the Puritan/George M. Cox.
• Isle Royale National Park Diving Resources: Guidance for divers exploring the wreck site near Rock of Ages Lighthouse
• 3D Shipwrecks – George M Cox.

3D Models

Shipwreck George M. Cox by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Shipwreck George M Cox Bow by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Analysis

The story of the Puritan/George M. Cox epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgizes the dynamic history of Great Lakes shipping, reflecting advancements in vessel design and the economic shifts impacting maritime trade. From its early days as a competitive passenger ship to its later role as a luxury cruise vessel and eventual grounding, the ship’s journey is marked by innovation and resilience. The wreck site today serves as both a dive attraction and a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Keywords Puritan George M. Cox Rock of Ages Reef Lake Superior Shipwreck Great Lakes Maritime History Steel-Hulled Propeller Ship