IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The John E. Hall was a wooden-hulled steambarge, constructed in 1889 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by Hanson & Scove. The vessel featured one deck and two masts, typical of the steambarges used on the Great Lakes during this period. The John E. Hall measured 139 feet (42.4 meters) in length, had a beam of 28.6 feet (8.7 meters), and a depth of 10.9 feet (3.3 meters). It had a gross tonnage of 343 tons and a net tonnage of 279 tons.
The steambarge was powered by a screw propulsion system, driven by a high-pressure engine with a single cylinder, manufactured by Grand Haven Iron Works in Grand Haven, Michigan. The engine had dimensions of 24.5 x 30 inches (62.2 x 76.2 cm), and the vessel was equipped with a firebox boiler measuring 8.5 x 12.5 feet (2.6 x 3.8 meters). The John E. Hall was designed for carrying bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes, serving as an essential part of the regional trade network.
HISTORY #
The John E. Hall was owned by Samuel E. Hall of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and served the Great Lakes region for over a decade. Built with sturdy construction and reliable machinery, the vessel was a workhorse of the lakes, primarily engaged in transporting coal and other bulk goods.
On December 13, 1902, the John E. Hall was en route across Lake Ontario when it encountered a severe northeast gale and snowstorm near Main Duck Island. The vessel was towing the barge John R. Noyes at the time, but the storm’s intensity caused the John E. Hall to lose its tow. Battling heavy seas and poor visibility, the John E. Hall ultimately foundered in the storm, sinking in about six fathoms (36 feet or 11 meters) of water, approximately one mile from land, midway between Pultneyville and Bear Creek.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The John E. Hall sank in Lake Ontario due to the violent northeast gale and snowstorm. Fortunately, all seven crew members, including Captain G.N. Spencer and three seamen, were rescued by the tug Crusader. The vessel, carrying a cargo of coal, was lost to the lake, and its remains settled on the lakebed near Main Duck Island.
The exact location of the wreck is known to be in the vicinity of the described coordinates, but no precise details or comprehensive explorations have been documented in recent years.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the John E. Hall. However, the waters near Main Duck Island are known for their treacherous conditions, particularly during storms, and mariners should navigate with caution.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the John E. Hall has not been extensively documented or located in modern times. The historical records suggest its general location near Main Duck Island, but further exploration would be required to pinpoint the exact site.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the John E. Hall lies in approximately 6 fathoms (36 feet or 11 meters) of water. Given the age of the wreck and its wooden construction, it is likely that the vessel’s remains are in a state of deterioration. The site is not commonly visited by divers, and the exact condition of the wreck is unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
For further information on the John E. Hall, the following resources were referenced:
