Other Names #
- James L. BECKWITH
A Propeller Packet Lost in a Storm on Lake Superior in 1912 #
The J.L. BECKWITH, also known as James L. Beckwith, was a propeller packet vessel that met its demise in a storm on Lake Superior in 1912. Serving as a ferry and excursion boat in its early years, the J.L. Beckwith had a rich history before its tragic end. Join us as we explore the details of its construction, its role as a passenger vessel, and the circumstances surrounding its loss on Lake Superior.
Constructed in 1873 by the Union Drydock Co. in Buffalo, New York, the J.L. Beckwith was a wooden propeller packet vessel. It had a length of 67 feet, a width of 23 feet, and a depth of 8 feet. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 61 tons and a net tonnage of 33 tons. It was initially registered under the name James L. Beckwith and later renamed J.L. Beckwith.
During the early part of its career, the J.L. Beckwith served as a ferry and excursion boat. Its primary operations involved transporting passengers and providing recreational trips on the water. The vessel played a vital role in facilitating transportation and leisure activities for the communities it served.
On July 26, 1912, the J.L. Beckwith was navigating Lake Superior, likely departing from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It encountered a severe storm that ultimately led to its wreck. The exact location of the loss is noted as either Sandy Point or Sandy Island. Unfortunately, detailed information about the wreck is unavailable, including any potential loss of life or cargo that the vessel might have been carrying at the time.
Following the loss of the J.L. Beckwith, the vessel was wrecked, leaving behind a mystery surrounding the circumstances of its demise. The event was a significant loss for the maritime community and marked the end of the vessel’s operational life. The J.L. Beckwith’s service as a ferry and excursion boat came to an abrupt and tragic end on Lake Superior.
The sinking of the J.L. Beckwith in 1912 serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by the unpredictable weather and treacherous conditions on Lake Superior. The vessel’s history as a ferry and excursion boat showcases its importance in facilitating transportation and leisure activities for the communities it served. Although the details surrounding the wreck remain unknown, the loss of the J.L. Beckwith remains a part of the maritime history of Lake Superior, symbolizing the challenges faced by vessels and mariners navigating its waters.
