IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The CITY OF CLEVELAND began its service as a schooner-barge, reflecting the robust design typical of Great Lakes sailing vessels. After its conversion in 1884 to a screw bulk freighter, it became one of the more formidable ships of its time, capable of carrying vast quantities of iron ore, among other cargoes. The transformation involved significant modifications, including the installation of a fore-and-aft engine and firebox boilers, which enhanced its capabilities and longevity on the Great Lakes.
HISTORY:
Launched in 1882, the CITY OF CLEVELAND was initially one of the largest sail crafts afloat on the Great Lakes, owned by M.A. Bradley et al. After just two seasons, it was rebuilt as a screw bulk freighter in 1884, vastly increasing its capacity and operational range. The vessel served the Great Lakes for nearly two decades, navigating the waters from Michipicoten Harbor to Midland, among other routes, often loaded with iron ore.
The vessel’s career was punctuated by several notable incidents. In 1889, it ran aground at Bar Point near Amherstburg in the Detroit River, and later, it suffered a grounding at Castle Danger north of Two Harbors on Lake Superior. The ship was also involved in a significant collision with the schooner CHARGER on Lake Erie in 1890, leading to the CHARGER’s sinking.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The CITY OF CLEVELAND met its end on September 17, 1901, when it struck a ledge near Perseverance Island at the mouth of Georgian Bay during a severe storm. The ship, heavily loaded with iron ore, began to break apart after the impact. Fortunately, the crew managed to evacuate to lifeboats and found refuge on Fitzwilliam Island, from where they were rescued by the steamer H.R. DIXON. Attempts to salvage the wreck proved futile, and the CITY OF CLEVELAND was ultimately lost. The cargo of iron ore was considered not worth the salvage effort.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the CITY OF CLEVELAND wreck site. Divers should consult with local authorities before exploring the area to ensure compliance with regulations and to receive updated safety advisories.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
- Discovery: The wreck of the CITY OF CLEVELAND has been known to local divers and maritime historians for years, but detailed exploration remains ongoing. The site is relatively shallow and accessible to divers, making it a popular dive location.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecks and Reefs
- Warren Lo Photography
PICTURES:
(Include historical images of the CITY OF CLEVELAND, photographs of the wreck site, or other related imagery if available.)
KEYWORDS:
CITY OF CLEVELAND, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Bulk Freighter, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipping, Perseverance Island, Wreck Diving.
CONCLUSION:
The wreck of the CITY OF CLEVELAND serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that Great Lakes freighters faced at the turn of the 20th century. From its beginnings as a mighty schooner-barge to its final days as a bulk freighter, the vessel was a workhorse of the Great Lakes, contributing to the economic lifeblood of the region. Its untimely demise near Cove Island in Georgian Bay underscores the ever-present risks of navigating these vast inland seas. Today, the wreck of the CITY OF CLEVELAND is a site of historical interest and a popular destination for divers exploring the rich maritime heritage of Lake Huron.
