IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
- Vessel Name: St. Louis
- Vessel Type: Steam Barge (formerly a propeller steamship)
- Build Date: 1864
- Builder: [Not specified], Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions:
- Length: 200 feet (66 meters)
- Beam: 31 feet (9.4 meters)
- Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)
- Final Resting Place: Cape Vincent, NY, St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: N 44° 8’0.57″ W 76°19’14.40″
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 feet (9 meters)
VESSEL DESCRIPTION #
Construction and Early Service: The St. Louis was a steamship launched in 1864 during the final years of the American Civil War. Constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, for the Buffalo & Detroit Transportation Company, the vessel represented a new class of steamships called “Propellers.” This design replaced the traditional side wheels with a single screw propeller powered by a single-cylinder steam engine. The St. Louis was a sizable vessel for its time, measuring 203 feet in length, with a beam of 31 feet, and a gross tonnage of 985.37 tons after an initial re-measurement in 1865.
Operational History: The St. Louis operated on the Great Lakes, primarily between Buffalo and Detroit, under various owners, including the Union Steamboat Company and the Niagara Falls Paper Company. Over its long service life, the vessel underwent numerous modifications, including a significant rebuild in 1876 and a transition to an unrigged barge in 1906.
The ship played an essential role in transporting goods and towing other vessels across the Great Lakes. Despite suffering several mishaps, including groundings and collisions, the St. Louis remained a workhorse of the lakes for over five decades.
Final Years and Abandonment: By 1906, the St. Louis was converted into an unrigged barge and operated by the Niagara Falls Paper Company. In 1908, ownership transferred to the Atlantic Coast Steamship Company. However, by February 1914, the St. Louis was abandoned near Cape Vincent, New York, where it had become stranded alongside a dock. The vessel was declared a total loss, and its documents were surrendered.
SITE DESCRIPTION #
Underwater Wreck Site: The remains of the St. Louis are located near Cape Vincent, just beyond the site of the former wood pulp dock. The wreck lies underwater near 1200 Broadway St, Cape Vincent, NY 13618, at a depth of about 30 feet (9 meters). The site is accessible from shore, with entry available near the public restroom facility on the east side of the town park.
Wreck Features: Divers will first encounter the remains of an old timber crib dock, now reduced to a pile of stones, before reaching the wreck of the St. Louis. The wreck itself features enormous oak timbers, each measuring two feet in diameter, which extend from the bow to the stern. These timbers were part of the vessel’s later conversion to carry heavy cargo. One of the most striking features of the site is the ship’s rudder, which measures over 12 feet in length and lies just behind the remains of the vessel.
Diving Experience: The wreck site offers an exciting dive for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history. The clear waters of the St. Lawrence River provide good visibility, allowing divers to explore the massive wooden structures and appreciate the scale of the St. Louis. The site is relatively shallow, making it accessible to divers of various skill levels, though care should be taken to avoid disturbing the remains.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE #
The St. Louis is a significant part of the maritime history of the Great Lakes. As one of the early propeller-driven steamships, it represents a key technological transition in ship design. The vessel’s long service life, spanning half a century, reflects the durability and adaptability of these workhorses of the lakes.
The final resting place of the St. Louis at Cape Vincent is a testament to the vessel’s extensive history, from its early days of transporting goods between Buffalo and Detroit to its final role as a barge on the St. Lawrence River. The wreck offers a tangible connection to the region’s past and serves as an underwater museum, preserving the story of a ship that once played a crucial role in the commerce of the Great Lakes.
3D Model by www.shotlinediving.com
ST. LOUIS – from source Video by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab
YouTube video CC Dan Gildea
RESOURCES & LINKS #
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Thousand Islands Life
- Articles and stories about the history of the Thousand Islands, including features on the St. Louis.
- Thousand Islands Life
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Great Lakes Ships File
- A comprehensive resource detailing the history and specifications of ships like the St. Louis that operated on the Great Lakes.
- Great Lakes Ships File
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Facebook Group Dedicated to St. Louis
- A community-driven platform where enthusiasts share photos, stories, and historical insights about the St. Louis and other Great Lakes vessels.
- Facebook Group
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Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Offers detailed records, including ownership history, incidents, and modifications of vessels like the St. Louis.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
