IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The City of Port Huron was a wooden propeller steam barge, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for bulk freight transport. Designed for durability and capacity, steam barges like the City of Port Huronwere equipped to carry large quantities of heavy cargo such as iron ore. The vessel’s propulsion was provided by a high-pressure non-condensing engine from Phoenix Iron Works, reflecting the industrial advancements of the period.
HISTORY #
The City of Port Huron was built in 1867 by J.P. Arnold in Port Huron, Michigan. With a length of 169 feet and a gross tonnage of 411.02, it was a sizable vessel for its time, intended to serve the growing industrial demands of the Great Lakes region. The steam barge was initially owned by Johnston, Ward et al. of Port Huron and was primarily used for transporting bulk cargo, particularly iron ore, which was vital to the steel industry.
Throughout its operational life, the City of Port Huron faced numerous challenges. In 1870, it ran aground on Stony Island Reef in the Detroit River, and in 1871, it stranded on the Clay Banks in the lower Detroit River. Another significant incident occurred in 1874 when it collided with the scow St. Charles in the St. Clair River. Despite these setbacks, the vessel continued to operate under different owners, including A.B. Drake of Dunkirk, New York, and later M.M. Drake and others of Buffalo, New York.
The City of Port Huron met its tragic end on September 4, 1876. While carrying a load of iron ore, the vessel encountered a catastrophic hull failure approximately 3-4 miles off Lexington, Michigan, in Lake Huron. Reports suggested that the vessel was overloaded, leading to a leak that caused it to broach and founder in 36 feet of water. The crew survived the ordeal, with some taking refuge in the rigging and others on the cabin roof until they were rescued.
Following the sinking, much of the vessel’s gear and machinery were salvaged by the wrecking tug Monitor in August 1877. However, attempts to salvage the entire vessel were abandoned due to its rapid deterioration and the damage it had sustained.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The City of Port Huron foundered on September 4, 1876, off the coast of Lexington, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The vessel was overloaded, causing a leak that led to its sinking. The wreck was later partially salvaged, but the vessel itself was left to deteriorate on the lakebed. Divers eventually located the wreck in 2001, submerged in 35 feet of water approximately 15 miles north of Sarnia, Ontario.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the City of Port Huron was located by divers in 2001. It lies in 35 feet of water approximately 15 miles north of Sarnia, Ontario, at coordinates 43°13′400″N, 82°29′050″W.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the City of Port Huron. However, the area around Lexington Heights, Lake Huron, is known for historical wrecks, and mariners should be cautious when navigating near known wreck sites.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- National Museum of the Great Lakes: National Museum of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University Archives: Bowling Green State University
CONCLUSION #
The City of Port Huron serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The vessel’s sinking due to a hull failure and overloading highlights the critical importance of proper load management and vessel maintenance. The wreck, discovered in 2001, remains a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the challenges and risks faced by those who sailed these waters.
KEYWORDS #
- City of Port Huron steam barge
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Lexington Michigan
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Iron ore transport
- 19th-century steam barge
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The wreck site of the City of Port Huron is located at 43°13′400″N, 82°29′050″W, approximately 3-4 miles off Lexington, Michigan, in Lake Huron. Further exploration and research may provide additional insights into the condition of the wreck and its historical significance.
