IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The Alvin A. Turner was a wooden-hulled steambarge constructed primarily for transporting lumber and grain across the Great Lakes. The vessel was designed with one deck and a single mast, typical of steambarges of the era, which were crucial to the booming lumber trade in the region. Steambarges like the Alvin A. Turner often operated as both cargo carriers and towing vessels, handling heavy loads and occasionally assisting other ships.
HISTORY: The Alvin A. Turner was built in 1873 by A.A. Turner in Trenton, Michigan, for D. Whitney, Junior & Company. The vessel played a significant role in the lumber trade, particularly along routes between Saginaw, Michigan, and Ogdensburg, New York. Equipped with a powerful steeple compound engine, the vessel was capable of towing other ships and carrying substantial cargoes, including lumber and grain.
Throughout its operational history, the Alvin A. Turner underwent several ownership changes. Initially owned by D. Whitney, Junior & Company, the vessel later passed into the hands of various owners, including Eugene Robinson, William Rankin, and George W. Wilson. By 1882, the vessel was under the ownership of the A.A. Turner Transportation Company, with William Nesbitt serving as the president.
The Alvin A. Turner had its share of incidents, including a collision near Cape Vincent on Lake Ontario in 1874, which caused it to sink temporarily. Despite such setbacks, the vessel continued to serve the lumber industry for over three decades.
FINAL DISPOSITION: On October 18, 1905, the Alvin A. Turner met its final fate. The vessel was carrying a cargo of lath when it became stranded in foggy conditions in the Little Detroit Channel of the St. Mary’s River, near Spanish Mills, Ontario, in Lake Huron. The shipwreck occurred due to the combined effects of storms and strong currents. The Alvin A. Turner burned and sank, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are currently associated with the wreck of the Alvin A. Turner. The site, however, is known to be in shallow waters, and boaters and divers should exercise caution when navigating the area.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck of the Alvin A. Turner lies in the Little Detroit Channel, North Channel, Lake Huron, at a depth of 30 feet (9 meters). The coordinates for the wreck site are N45 58.800, W082 10.100. The site is accessible to divers and may provide an intriguing exploration opportunity, especially given its historical significance.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The wreck of the Alvin A. Turner is located at a depth of 30 feet (9 meters), making it relatively accessible to divers. The shallow depth allows for easy exploration, though the exact condition of the wreck is subject to natural deterioration over time. Divers visiting the site may find remnants of the vessel’s wooden structure and possibly parts of its engine and boiler.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Bowling Green State University: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: Alvin A. Turner, Steambarge, Tug, North Channel, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Lumber Trade, Maritime History
CONCLUSION: The Alvin A. Turner was a vital part of the Great Lakes’ maritime history, serving as both a cargo vessel and a towboat. Its final resting place in the North Channel of Lake Huron serves as a testament to the challenging conditions faced by vessels navigating these waters. The wreck site offers a glimpse into the past, preserving the legacy of a steambarge that played a crucial role in the region’s industrial history.
