Other Names #
- ROSWELL P. FLOWER
Site Description #
- Bulk Freighter
- 264ft 80m Lengths
- 15ffw 3 m Depth
- Drummond Island
- Lake Huron
- 45º 55.741’ North
83º 42.859’ West
History #
The ROSWELL P. FLOWER, also known as the AGNES W., was a bulk freighter built in 1887 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It had a wooden hull construction with a single deck, two stacks, hold beams, diagonal straps, a single watertight bulkhead, a steel boiler house, and a reinforced bow.
The vessel was originally owned by the Milwaukee Steamship Company, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It had a length of 264 feet, a beam (width) of 38.1 feet, and a depth of 17.7 feet. The ROSWELL P. FLOWER had four masts and was propelled by a screw propulsion system. It was equipped with a for-and-aft compound engine with two cylinders, two boilers, and a single propeller. The engine, built by S.F. Hodge & Co. of Detroit, Michigan, in 1887, had dimensions of 30 and 54 inches by 45 inches and generated 850 horsepower at 73 revolutions per minute. The vessel’s boilers, built by M. Davis & Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1887, had dimensions of 9 feet by 16 feet and operated at 100 pounds of steam pressure.
In terms of tonnage, the ROSWELL P. FLOWER had a gross tonnage of 1593.40 and a net tonnage of 1165.48. It had a carrying capacity of 2400 tons.
The vessel met its final fate on July 3, 1918, when it stranded at Canada Point on Drummond Island in Lake Huron. It was carrying a cargo of grain at the time. The ROSWELL P. FLOWER had attempted to enter the St. Mary’s River during a storm but ended up stranded. It was later pounded to pieces, resulting in its complete loss.
Throughout its history, the ROSWELL P. FLOWER had various incidents. In 1887, shortly after its construction, it ran aground in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1890, it ran aground on Cedar Point shoal above Points aux Pins in Lake Erie. In 1892, the vessel was wrecked on a reef near Waugoschance Point in the western Straits of Mackinac. It also towed barges such as the DONALDSON, C.P. GROVER, and LEM ELLSWORTH at different times.
The ownership of the ROSWELL P. FLOWER changed hands several times over the years. It was owned by Ole Hansen and later by A.C. Wanvig, both from Milwaukee. Eventually, ownership was transferred to John D. Wanvig and others, and the vessel was renamed AGNES W. in March 1915. In May 1918, it came under the ownership of D.W. Stocking from Duluth, Minnesota, before meeting its final demise in July 1918.
The Dive #
located near Traverse Point on the south side of Drummond Island. The wreck site is approximately 8 miles east of DeTour Passage in Lake Huron. It is situated in less than 15 feet of water, making it accessible to divers, snorkelers, and even kayakers.
Due to the shallowness of the water and the presence of many large rocks, caution should be exercised when approaching the wreck. It is recommended to visit the site on calm days to ensure safe conditions. The wreckage is quite massive, with the lower hull section remaining intact. It measures approximately 180 feet in length and 35 feet in width.
Around the wreck, divers and snorkelers may discover a variety of small artifacts. The visibility is usually good, and since most of the wreckage is visible from the surface, kayakers can also enjoy observing the wreck.
