Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Ironsides
- Type: wooden package freighter
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Ira La Frinier (Cleveland, Ohio)
- Dimensions: Length: 218 ft (66.5 m); Beam: ~30 ± 33 ft (9.1–10.1 m); Depth of hold: ~13 ft (3.96 m)
- Registered Tonnage: ~1,123 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 37 m / 120 ft
- Location: Approximately 4 miles off Grand Haven, Michigan
- Official Number: Not located in public registries
- Original Owners: Lake Superior Line
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wood-hulled package freighter/passenger steamer built for mixed cargo and passenger service on the Great Lakes during and after the Civil War.
Description
Constructed with twin hogging arches along the hull—a notable structural feature now collapsed. She was powered by two direct-acting steam engines (“Jack and Jill”) driving twin four-bladed propellers manufactured by Cuyahoga Iron Works. Twin smokestacks rose amidship above the passenger deck. Single cargo deck under passenger accommodation.
History
Service began on Cleveland–Lake Superior routes for five years before reassigning to the Grand Haven–Milwaukee line. Four documented collisions occurred over her nine-year career. There were machinery failures, ownership changes, and cargo/passenger runs until her final voyage in September 1873.
On September 14, 1873, she departed Milwaukee bound for Grand Haven with wheat, flour, pork, general merchandise, and around 20 passengers plus crew. A gale drove her off course; she took on water and capsized lifeboats. Unable to enter harbor, she foundered early on September 15. Approximately 18 bodies were recovered; two remained missing—total loss of ~20 lives.
Significant Incidents
- September 14, 1873: Departed Milwaukee with cargo and passengers.
- September 15, 1873: Foundered in a storm off Grand Haven, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities.
- Four documented collisions during her service.
Final Disposition
Ship sank due to storm conditions; attempted harbor entry failed. Lifeboat losses and passenger fatalities followed. No formal marine board inquiry record located, though newspapers documented the calamity.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Discovered c. 1966 by wreck enthusiast Gene Turner. The wreck lies upright but partially collapsed, resting in 110–122 ft of water southwest of Grand Haven. It features boiler and engine remains, hull structure, and collapsed hogging arches.
Not officially noted as a navigational hazard; considered an advanced technical dive due to depth, structural hazards, overhead areas, and cold water exposure.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ironsides-1864″ title=”References & Links”]
The SS Ironsides remains a significant wreck for divers interested in maritime history and the challenges of Great Lakes navigation. Its tragic loss serves as a reminder of the perils faced by vessels during severe weather conditions.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Name: SS Ironsides (wooden package freighter, launched 1864) (michiganshipwrecks.org)
Former Names: None recorded
Builder: Ira La Frinier (Cleveland, Ohio) for Lake Superior Line; launched July 23, 1864 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, michiganshipwrecks.org)
Official Number: Not located in public registries
Dimensions:
- Length: 218 ft keel (66.5 m), ca. 231 ft overall
- Beam: ~30 ± 33 ft (9.1–10.1 m)
- Depth: ~13 ft (3.96 m)
Gross tonnage: ~1,123 tons (michiganshipwrecks.org)
Loss Date & Location: September 15, 1873, Lake Michigan, ~4 mi off Grand Haven, Michigan; lies at ~120 ft (37 m) of water near Grand Haven bar; wreck depth ranges from ~109 to 122 ft (US Deadly Events)
Vessel Type
Wood-hulled package freighter/passenger steamer built for mixed cargo and passenger service on the Great Lakes during and after the Civil War.
Description
Constructed with twin hogging arches along the hull—a notable structural feature now collapsed. She was powered by two direct‑acting steam engines (“Jack and Jill”) driving twin four‑bladed propellers manufactured by Cuyahoga Iron Works. Twin smokestacks rose amidship above the passenger deck. Single cargo deck under passenger accommodation (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, michiganshipwrecks.org)
History
Service began on Cleveland–Lake Superior routes for five years before reassigning to the Grand Haven–Milwaukee line. Four documented collisions occurred over her nine‑year career. There were machinery failures, ownership changes, and cargo/passenger runs until her final voyage in September 1873 (michiganshipwrecks.org, linkstothepast.com).
On September 14, 1873, she departed Milwaukee bound for Grand Haven with wheat, flour, pork, general merchandise, and around 20 passengers plus crew. A gale drove her off course; she took on water and capsized lifeboats. Unable to enter harbor, she foundered early on September 15. Approximately 18 bodies were recovered; two remained missing—total loss of ~20 lives (US Deadly Events, linkstothepast.com, Michigan).
Final Disposition
Ship sank due to storm conditions; attempted harbor entry failed. Lifeboat losses and passenger fatalities followed. No formal marine board inquiry record located, though newspapers (e.g. Chicago Daily Tribune, Janesville Gazette) documented the calamity (US Deadly Events).
Located By & Date Found
Discovered c. 1966 by wreck enthusiast Gene Turner. Wreck lies upright but partially collapsed, resting in 110–122 ft of water southwest of Grand Haven. It features boiler and engine remains, hull structure, and collapsed hogging arches (Facebook).
Notices & Advisories
Not officially noted as navigational hazard; considered an advanced technical dive due to depth, structural hazards, overhead areas, and cold water exposure.
Resources & Links
- Michigan Shipwreck Research Association: launch & engine details, wreck discovery notes (michiganshipwrecks.org)
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (Bowling Green State): archival images & data repository (michiganshipwrecks.org)
- US Deadly Events: passenger & fatality counting from newspaper sources (Sep 17, 1873 Tribune, Janesville Gazette, etc.) (US Deadly Events)
- 3dshipwrecks.com – Ironsides
- Sketchfab 3Dshipwrecks – Ironsides
Further next steps: search regional newspapers (Grand Haven, Milwaukee) of late Sept 1873 for family notices; consult U.S. government marine board archives or local harbor authority reports; check HCGL casualty lists.