IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 was a state-of-the-art steam screw freighter built in 1905. Designed to transport a combination of passengers and cargo, it represented the pinnacle of Great Lakes shipping technology at the time. The vessel was equipped with powerful steam engines, enabling it to carry heavy loads, including coal cars, across the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. With a robust construction and significant horsepower, it was a vital link in the transportation network of the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company, primarily serving the route between Conneaut, Ohio, and Port Stanley, Ontario.
HISTORY #
Construction and Early Service #
The MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 was launched in 1905 by the American Ship Building Company in Cleveland, Ohio, a renowned shipbuilder known for its quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. Commissioned by the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company, the vessel was intended to transport railroad cars, freight, and passengers across Lake Erie, connecting major industrial hubs in the United States and Canada.
With its steel hull, the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 was built to withstand the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. Its engines, designed by Hodge & Co. of Detroit, Michigan, provided 2,400 indicated horsepower, making it one of the most powerful vessels of its kind. The ship quickly became an essential component of the regional transportation infrastructure, known for its reliability and capacity.
Versatility and Service Record #
Throughout its early years, the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 demonstrated remarkable versatility. Originally classified as a passenger and freight vessel with a crew of 30, it later transitioned to primarily freighter service with a reduced crew of 21 by 1909. This shift in classification reflected the growing demand for bulk cargo transportation on the Great Lakes, as industrial output surged in the early 20th century.
The vessel’s primary cargo consisted of coal, which was transported in railcars loaded onto the ship. The unique design of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 allowed it to efficiently carry these heavy loads, making it a crucial asset for the coal industry. The ship also carried other bulk goods and occasionally passengers, further enhancing its importance to the regional economy.
The Final Voyage #
The fateful final voyage of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 began on December 7, 1909. Departing from Conneaut, Ohio, the vessel was bound for Port Stanley, Ontario, with a load of coal cars. The weather was severe, with a powerful gale sweeping across Lake Erie, known for its sudden and violent storms. Despite the vessel’s robust construction and the experience of its crew, the storm proved to be overwhelming.
As the ship approached the notorious waters near Long Point, often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Lakes” due to the numerous shipwrecks in the area, it encountered heavy seas that challenged even the sturdiest vessels. The MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 was no exception. It is believed that the coal cars onboard broke loose during the storm, causing the vessel to become unstable and capsize rapidly.
Captain John McLeod, a seasoned mariner, and his crew of 31 men faced the unimaginable terror of their ship sinking in the freezing waters of Lake Erie. Despite their training and efforts to save the vessel, the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 disappeared beneath the waves, taking all hands with it. The tragedy marked one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the history of the Great Lakes.
Aftermath and Search Efforts #
The loss of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 sent shockwaves through the maritime community and the families of the crew. Rescue efforts were launched immediately, with search parties scouring the area for any signs of survivors or wreckage. Over the following days, the bodies of some crew members were recovered, frozen in lifeboats that had drifted to the shores near Erie, Pennsylvania, and Port Colborne, Ontario.
However, not all of the 32 crew members were found, and the majority of the ship’s wreckage remained elusive. Various reports of sightings and attempts to locate the wreck over the years yielded little success. The harsh conditions of Lake Erie and the depth at which the vessel likely rests have made the recovery and exploration of the wreck challenging.
The sinking of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 became a part of the tragic lore of the Great Lakes, a stark reminder of the dangers that sailors faced on these vast inland seas. The vessel’s loss underscored the need for improved safety measures and more robust ship designs, even as the Great Lakes shipping industry continued to expand.
The Legacy of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 #
The story of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 remains an enduring part of Great Lakes maritime history. The ship’s tragic end is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of the lakes. Over the years, the tale of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 has been revisited by historians, maritime enthusiasts, and divers, all seeking to uncover more about the vessel’s final moments.
Efforts to locate the wreck continue, fueled by advances in underwater exploration technology. While the exact location of the wreck remains unknown, the search for the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 is ongoing, driven by the desire to bring closure to one of Lake Erie’s most haunting maritime mysteries.
The legacy of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 is not just one of loss, but also of the bravery and determination of those who sailed her. The crew’s commitment to their duty, even in the face of overwhelming odds, exemplifies the spirit of the sailors who navigated the Great Lakes, ensuring the flow of goods and passengers across these vital waterways.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
Wreck and Rescue Efforts #
The MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2’s final resting place remains a mystery. Despite numerous searches, the wreck has yet to be conclusively located. It is believed to lie off Long Point, Lake Erie, in what is known as the “Graveyard of the Lakes.” This area has claimed many vessels over the years due to its treacherous conditions and the frequent storms that sweep through.
In the days following the sinking, lifeboats from the vessel were found near Erie, Pennsylvania, and Port Colborne, Ontario, with the bodies of some crew members still inside. These grim discoveries provided some answers but also deepened the tragedy, as many families were left without the remains of their loved ones.
The wreck of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 has been the subject of many explorations and expeditions, but the harsh conditions of Lake Erie, coupled with the potential depth and burial of the wreck under silt and debris, have made its recovery and identification difficult. The search for the wreck continues to this day, driven by advancements in sonar technology and a continued interest in uncovering the history of the Great Lakes.
Current Condition and Accessibility #
Given the presumed depth and location of the wreck, as well as the strong currents and poor visibility common in Lake Erie, the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 is not currently accessible to divers. The area is also known for its dangerous conditions, making any exploratory dives or salvage operations highly risky.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Current Notices: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 wreck site. However, mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating the waters near Long Point, Lake Erie, due to the area’s reputation for treacherous conditions.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Discovery: The wreck of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 remains undiscovered as of the latest reports. Efforts to locate the wreck continue, with interest from both governmental agencies and private maritime exploration groups.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- A comprehensive resource for historical data and records related to shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- An extensive database of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2.
- Swayze Shipwreck Database
- Bowling Green State University – Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
- Offers archival resources, photographs, and detailed records on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.
- BGSU Historical Collections
- NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
- Provides data and research related to the environmental conditions of the Great Lakes, which can impact navigation and ship safety.
- NOAA GLERL
- Wrecksite.eu
- A global shipwreck database offering detailed information on various shipwrecks, including those in the Great Lakes.
- Wrecksite
- National Museum of the Great Lakes
- A museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Great Lakes, including shipwrecks and maritime heritage.
- National Museum of the Great Lakes
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at Bowling Green State University
- A treasure trove of documents, photographs, and data on Great Lakes shipwrecks and maritime history.
- BGSU Historical Collections
- Shipwreck Hunters and Research Teams
- Information on ongoing and past shipwreck searches and discoveries in the Great Lakes.
- Shipwreck Hunters
- Books and Publications
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals by William Ratigan
- The Legend of the Lake: The 200-Year History of Lake Erie by David Frew
- Underwater Archeological Resources
- Documentation and guidelines for those interested in the underwater archaeology of the Great Lakes.
- Ontario’s Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Michigan Shipwreck Research Association
- An organization dedicated to documenting and preserving Great Lakes shipwrecks.
- Michigan Shipwreck Research Association
- YouTube Channels
- Channels featuring documentaries and dive videos exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Channel
- News Articles and Archives
- Access to historical newspaper articles and reports on the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 and other Great Lakes shipwrecks.
- Newspaper Archives
- Local Historical Societies
- Information from historical societies in the Great Lakes region, often with specialized knowledge and records on local shipwrecks.
- Erie County Historical Society – Erie County Historical Society
- Mariners’ Museum
- Provides resources and exhibitions related to maritime history, including Great Lakes shipping.
- The Mariners’ Museum
- Online Forums and Discussion Groups
- Platforms where enthusiasts and researchers discuss shipwrecks and maritime history, sharing insights and discoveries.
- Great Lakes Maritime Discussion Forum
- Online Databases and Digital Libraries
- Digital collections of historical documents, ship registries, and maritime records.
- Digital Archives of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: #
MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2, Great Lakes shipwrecks, Lake Erie, Long Point, Steam Screw Freighter, Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad, Great Lakes maritime history, 1909 shipwreck, shipwreck mysteries, Great Lakes tragedy
CONCLUSION: #
The loss of the Steam Screw MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 in the stormy waters of Lake Erie stands as one of the most tragic and haunting maritime disasters in the history of the Great Lakes. Despite the ship’s advanced design and the experience of its crew, the unpredictable and often brutal conditions of the lakes claimed yet another vessel and the lives of 32 men. The search for the wreck, which remains ongoing, is a testament to the enduring fascination and sorrow associated with the ship’s mysterious disappearance.
The story of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes, where even the most well-built ships could fall victim to the forces of nature. As technology advances, the hope of discovering the final resting place of this ill-fated vessel persists, driven by a desire to close a chapter on one of the Great Lakes’ most enduring mysteries. The legacy of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 lives on in the annals of maritime history, forever reminding us of the bravery of those who sailed these challenging waters and the unpredictable nature of the great inland seas.
