IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Canisteo was a wooden propeller steambarge, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for transporting bulk materials such as coal, ore, and lumber. These steambarges were crucial to the economic activities of the region, moving large quantities of goods between ports. The Canisteo was powered by a steeple compound engine driving a single propeller, which was typical of the era’s steam-powered vessels. This configuration provided the necessary power to navigate the often rough and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The Canisteo was built in 1886 by William Dulac in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Initially serving in the bulk freight trade, the vessel transported coal, ore, and lumber across the Great Lakes, contributing to the industrial boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over the years, the Canisteo changed ownership several times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the maritime industry during this period.
From its construction until 1903, the Canisteo was owned by the Tonawanda Barge Line of Tonawanda, New York. The vessel later passed into the hands of L.R. McLaren of Toledo, Ohio, and then James A. Maddigan of Buffalo, New York. In 1908, the ship was acquired by Eli Jacques & Sons of Duluth, Minnesota, who modified it for the sand trade by adding an A-frame and clamshell rig, allowing it to be more versatile in its cargo operations.
The Canisteo’s operational life came to a tragic end in 1920. While off the shores of Port Huron, Michigan, the vessel caught fire. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the fire quickly consumed the ship, leaving it beyond repair. The Canisteowas declared a constructive total loss, and its remains were later scrapped. The hulk of the vessel was scuttled in Lake Huron near Lexington in 1921, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes. The exact details of any casualties and the cargo aboard at the time of the fire remain unclear.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Canisteo was destroyed by fire in 1920 while off the shores of Port Huron, Michigan. Following the incident, the vessel was scrapped, and the hulk was deliberately scuttled in Lake Huron near Lexington in 1921. The ship was declared a constructive total loss, and no significant efforts were made to salvage the vessel after the fire.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Canisteo was scuttled near Lexington, Lake Huron, in 1921. The exact coordinates and current condition of the wreck remain unknown, though it is presumed to be at the bottom of Lake Huron.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Canisteo. However, mariners navigating near Lexington in Lake Huron should be aware of the historical presence of wrecks in the area, particularly those that have been scuttled.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University Archives: Bowling Green State University
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
CONCLUSION #
The story of the Canisteo is a sobering reminder of the hazards faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. Built for the robust demands of the coal, ore, and lumber trade, the Canisteo served faithfully for over three decades before being consumed by flames in 1920. The decision to scuttle the hulk in Lake Huron near Lexington reflects the pragmatic approach taken towards vessels that had outlived their usefulness or suffered irreparable damage. Today, the Canisteo rests at the bottom of Lake Huron, a testament to the often unpredictable and perilous nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS #
- Canisteo steambarge
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Port Huron Michigan
- Great Lakes maritime history
- 19th-century steambarge
- Scuttled ship
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
Specific GPS coordinates for the wreck site of the Canisteo are not available. Continued research and exploration may yield more precise information regarding the location and condition of the wreck. Historians, divers, and maritime enthusiasts should stay informed about any new discoveries related to this historic vessel.
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