IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
| Vessel Name: ARIZONA (later reported as CITY OF MARQUETTE) Type: Bulk Carrier (originally a Passenger and Freight Steamer) Builder: Quayle & Martin, Master Carpenter Thomas Quayle Year Built: 1868 Location Built: Cleveland, Ohio, USA Material: Wood Dimensions:Length: 187.5 feet Beam: 32.4 feet Depth: 12 feet Decks: Two Tonnage:Originally: 870.74 tons Later Adjusted: 765.03 gross tons and 601.06 net tons Final Location: Near Wolfe Island, St. Lawrence River, between channel marker 244 and Wolfe Island Coordinates: N44 06 55, W76 24 40 Depth: 10 – 20 feet of water (3 – 6 meters) |
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The ARIZONA was a wooden propeller steamship originally designed as a passenger and freight steamer. It was the first vessel on the Great Lakes to be equipped with a compound engine, which was a significant innovation at the time. The vessel was later rebuilt as a steam barge in 1888 and was reportedly renamed the CITY OF MARQUETTE, although it retained its original name in official records.
HISTORY: #
The ARIZONA was built in 1868 by Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio, under the supervision of master carpenter Thomas Quayle. Initially operating as a passenger and freight steamer, it was known for its innovative design, particularly the use of a compound engine. The vessel changed ownership multiple times and was involved in several significant incidents throughout its career.
In 1872, it was purchased by the Erie & Western Transportation Co. to operate on the Anchor Line between Chicago and Buffalo. The ARIZONA was rebuilt in 1888 as a steam barge, with steel arches and a steel boiler house added to its structure. Despite being referred to as the CITY OF MARQUETTE in some reports, it continued to be officially recorded as the ARIZONA.
The vessel’s history includes notable events such as a collision with the B. W. BLANCHARD in 1873, which caused it to sink near St. Clair Flats. The ARIZONA was raised and repaired in Detroit. In 1887, it caught fire and sank in Marquette, Michigan, while carrying oil and acid but was salvaged and repaired. The vessel continued service until 1922 when it was destroyed by fire near the Cape Vincent breakwater in Lake Ontario.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The remains of the ARIZONA lie in 10 to 20 feet of water near Wolfe Island in the St. Lawrence River. The keel and most of the ribs are intact and upright, while the deck and sides are scattered across the riverbed. The wreck is accessible to divers, though they must contend with a moderate current.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the ARIZONA wreck. Divers should be aware of the moderate currents in the area and exercise caution while exploring the site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck is located near channel marker 244 and Wolfe Island in the St. Lawrence River. It has been known to divers and maritime historians for some time and remains a popular site for underwater exploration.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck lies in shallow water, between 10 to 20 feet deep, making it accessible to recreational divers. The keel and ribs of the vessel are well-preserved, offering a unique glimpse into 19th-century shipbuilding techniques. While the current presents some challenges, the site is a rewarding destination for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides detailed records and historical accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes.
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Offers maps and additional information on shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence River.
- Wikipedia: General information on the history and construction of Great Lakes vessels.
CONCLUSION: #
The ARIZONA’s story is one of resilience and adaptation, reflecting the dynamic nature of Great Lakes maritime history. From its innovative beginnings as a passenger and freight steamer to its final days as a bulk carrier, the vessel played a significant role in the region’s commerce. The wreck site near Wolfe Island remains a valuable resource for understanding 19th-century shipbuilding and the challenges faced by vessels of that era.
KEYWORDS: #
ARIZONA, CITY OF MARQUETTE, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, Wolfe Island wreck, 19th-century steamship, Great Lakes maritime history, propeller steamship, wooden shipwreck, Anchor Line, Lake Ontario, diving in the St. Lawrence.
