SITE DESCRIPTION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The City of Detroit was a propeller steamship designed for both passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes. Propeller steamships were the workhorses of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, known for their versatility and capability to navigate the often treacherous waters of the region. The vessel, built in 1866 in Marine City, Michigan, was powered by a high-pressure steam engine and played a crucial role in connecting various ports across the lakes.
HISTORY #
The City of Detroit had a relatively short but impactful service life on the Great Lakes. Built in 1866, it operated primarily as a passenger and freight carrier, transporting goods and people across the busy trade routes of the lakes. On December 4, 1873, the City of Detroit met its tragic end during a severe storm in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron.
At the time of the disaster, the City of Detroit was towing the barge Guiding Star, which was loaded with 24,000 bushels of wheat. The steamship itself was carrying 8,000 bushels of wheat and additional rolling freight. As the storm intensified, the propeller became disabled, leaving it unable to maintain control over the barge. In a desperate bid for survival, the crew cut the barge loose and attempted to save themselves.
Captain Morris Barrett and seven crew members from the Guiding Star managed to reach Port Elgin, Ontario, in a yawl boat, though they suffered severe frostbite, with their feet being fully frozen. Captain Barrett reported seeing three members of the City of Detroit‘s crew in a yawl boat and another individual in a separate boat. Unfortunately, it is believed that the remaining crew members, totaling 19, went down with the ship when it sank in Saginaw Bay.
The loss of the City of Detroit was one of the worst maritime disasters in the history of Saginaw Bay, a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the Great Lakes, particularly during winter storms. The sinking was attributed to the extreme weather conditions and the disabling of the ship’s machinery, which left it vulnerable to the elements.
CURRENT CONDITION #
The wreck of the City of Detroit lies in approximately 65 meters (200 feet) of water near Port Austin, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The site serves as a somber reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on that stormy December day. While the exact location of the wreck is not fully detailed, its depth and historical significance make it a point of interest for divers and maritime historians.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University Archives: Bowling Green State University
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
- 3D Shipwrecks 3D Model: 3D Shipwrecks
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the City of Detroit remains one of the most tragic maritime events in Saginaw Bay’s history. The loss of 19 lives and the ship itself serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of lake navigation during the 19th century. The wreck, now lying deep beneath the waters of Lake Huron, continues to tell the story of a vessel that was once a vital part of the Great Lakes’ shipping industry.
KEYWORDS #
- City of Detroit steamship
- Saginaw Bay shipwreck
- Port Austin Michigan
- Lake Huron maritime history
- 19th-century steamship
- Great Lakes storm
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The approximate location of the City of Detroit wreck is in Saginaw Bay, near Port Austin, Michigan, at a depth of 65 meters (200 feet). Further research and exploration may yield more detailed information about the wreck’s condition and exact coordinates.
