GEORGE STONE U86261

Identification & Site Information #

Vessel Type Description #

The George Stone was a wooden bulk freighter, enhanced with steel elements for added structural integrity. Built in 1893 by F. W. Wheeler & Co. in West Bay City, Michigan, the vessel was designed to meet the demands of the Great Lakes shipping industry. The incorporation of steel components such as hold beams, internal arches, diagonal straps, and a steel boilerhouse significantly contributed to the vessel’s durability and strength, allowing it to transport substantial quantities of goods, particularly coal.

History #

The George Stone played a pivotal role in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, making it a key player in the region’s shipping industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its powerful triple expansion engine and reliable screw propulsion system made it well-suited for the rigorous demands of bulk cargo transportation.

1893: The George Stone was launched and began its service under the ownership of Alva Bradley, a prominent figure in the Cleveland shipping industry.

1893-1909: Throughout its operational history, the George Stone undertook various towing assignments, highlighting its versatility and capability to assist other vessels. It towed numerous notable ships, including the S.H. Kimball, Sulperior, Baldwin, Adriatic, Negaunee, Quayle, Sandusky, S.O. No. 86, and Thomas Quayle. These operations demonstrated the freighter’s reliability and the trust placed in its abilities within the maritime community.

October 13, 1909: The George Stone met its tragic end near Grubbs Reef in the Pelee Passage of Lake Erie. While on a voyage from Ashtabula, Ohio, to Racine, Wisconsin, the vessel ran aground and subsequently caught fire. The crew’s attempts to escape were hampered when a lifeboat capsized, resulting in the loss of six lives. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it was ultimately wrecked and lost to the depths of Lake Erie.

Final Disposition #

• Date of Loss: October 13, 1909
• Cause of Loss: Ran aground and caught fire
• Crew: Six lives lost in a capsized lifeboat
• Salvage Operations: Not specified
• Current Status: Wrecked in Lake Erie

Tags #

• Shipwreck
• Bulk Freighter
• Lake Erie
• Pelee Passage
• 19th Century Vessel
• Maritime History
• Great Lakes Shipwreck
• George Stone
• Alva Bradley

Conclusion #

The George Stone was more than just a bulk freighter; it was a testament to the engineering advancements of the late 19th century, incorporating both wood and steel to create a durable and reliable vessel. Serving the Great Lakes for over a decade, the George Stone transported countless tons of cargo and played a crucial role in the region’s commerce. However, its tragic demise in 1909, which claimed six lives, serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes. The loss of the George Stone and its crew is etched into the annals of maritime history, symbolizing the perilous nature of shipping in the early 20th century.

Resources & Links #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• F. W. Wheeler & Co. Shipbuilding
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Database
• Alva Bradley Shipping