IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The JAMES DAVIDSON was a wooden steam screw bulk freighter, a type of vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and ore. These vessels were known for their large cargo capacity and were powered by steam engines driving a single screw (propeller), which was a common propulsion method before the widespread adoption of more advanced technologies. The JAMES DAVIDSON was built to withstand the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes, though its wooden construction left it vulnerable to the hazards of the region’s unpredictable weather and treacherous waters.
HISTORY #
The steam screw JAMES DAVIDSON was constructed in 1874 in Salzburg, Michigan, and was registered in St. Clair, Michigan. The vessel quickly became an integral part of the Great Lakes fleet, transporting bulk cargo across the region’s expansive waterways. Despite its sturdy construction, the JAMES DAVIDSON faced several challenges throughout its service life.
One notable incident occurred in September 1874 when the vessel ran aground on Stag Island, resulting in a significant loss estimated at $600. However, the vessel was repaired and continued to operate until its final, tragic voyage in 1883.
On October 4, 1883, the JAMES DAVIDSON was en route to Duluth, towing a consort-barge laden with cargo. As the vessel navigated the waters off Thunder Bay Island, it encountered treacherous conditions that led to it running aground in shallow waters. The crew’s efforts to free the ship were unsuccessful, and the vessel became stranded on the island’s shore.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
Despite the crew’s attempts to salvage the vessel, the JAMES DAVIDSON was doomed. They managed to recover the ship’s engine and boiler, but the relentless forces of Lake Huron took their toll. The vessel broke apart over time, and its remains eventually settled on the lakebed, about 35 feet underwater. The wreck now lies in fragmented sections, a testament to the power of the Great Lakes and the dangers that mariners faced during this era.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the JAMES DAVIDSON. However, divers and mariners exploring the Thunder Bay Island area should be aware of the potential hazards associated with underwater wreck exploration, including sharp debris and the possibility of strong currents.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact date of the wreck’s discovery is not specified, but it is known to have been located off Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron, where it remains a popular site for divers interested in Great Lakes shipwrecks.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Historical Newspapers Archive – Maritime Disasters
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the JAMES DAVIDSON serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. The vessel’s tragic end off Thunder Bay Island is emblematic of the many challenges that mariners encountered, from unpredictable weather to the ever-present danger of running aground. Today, the remains of the JAMES DAVIDSON lie beneath the waters of Lake Huron, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history and serving as a solemn tribute to the lives and livelihoods lost to the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #JamesDavidson #LakeHuron #ThunderBayIsland #GreatLakesFreighter #WoodenFreighter #SteamScrew #NauticalHistory #19thCenturyShips #SalvageHistory
