Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The ARAXES was originally built as a propeller vessel, a common type of steam-powered ship in the mid-19th century, characterized by a single screw propeller for propulsion. These vessels were vital for transporting cargo and passengers across the Great Lakes. In 1873-1874, the ARAXES was rebuilt as a steam barge, which involved modifying the vessel to carry bulk cargoes like iron ore, a key commodity in the industrialization of the Great Lakes region.
History #
The ARAXES was launched in 1856 by Francis N. Jones in Buffalo, New York, and was initially owned by the Buffalo & Toledo Transportation Co. Over its long service life, the vessel became associated with several different owners, reflecting the changing dynamics of the shipping industry in the Great Lakes.
In its early years, the ARAXES encountered numerous incidents. Notably, in 1863, the vessel struck a rock while entering Cleveland Harbor and subsequently sank. Fortunately, it was raised and underwent significant repairs between 1863 and 1864. These repairs included a re-measurement in 1865, which altered the vessel’s dimensions and increased its tonnage. The ARAXES continued to change ownership throughout the 1860s and 1870s, becoming part of the fleet of the Union Steamboat Co., among others.
The vessel’s role evolved when it was rebuilt as a steam barge in 1873-1874, primarily to engage in the ore trade between Marquette, Michigan, and Black Rock, New York. This shift reflected the growing importance of iron ore transportation to the burgeoning steel industry in the United States.
Despite its utility, the ARAXES faced numerous challenges. In 1870, it suffered a broken shaft and lost its propeller, leading to significant downtime for repairs. The vessel’s hull and boiler also required repairs in 1887. It experienced several groundings and was abandoned near Sand Beach, Michigan, in 1890, but was rescued by the Reid Wrecking and Towing company, a testament to the vessel’s resilience.
The ARAXES met its final fate in the summer of 1894, when it foundered approximately four miles off the Bay City Ice Co.’s ice house in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The wreck was located in 1895, but it was considered uneconomical to raise or salvage due to the vessel’s age and condition. As a result, the ARAXES was sunk and officially abandoned, with its documents surrendered on June 30, 1894.
Final Disposition #
The ARAXES now lies at the bottom of Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron. The exact location of the wreck was identified in 1895, but it was not recovered due to the cost and the vessel’s deteriorated state. The ARAXES, once a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry, is now part of the underwater heritage of Lake Huron.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the ARAXES wreck site. Divers interested in exploring the site should be aware of the general conditions of Saginaw Bay and exercise caution.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck was located in 1895, shortly after the ARAXES foundered, but it was not salvaged.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
Conclusion #
The ARAXES serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s long service life, numerous incidents, and final demise in the stormy waters of Lake Huron underscore the harsh conditions of Great Lakes shipping during this era. The story of the ARAXES is a testament to the resilience of the vessels and crews that navigated these waters, contributing to the economic development of the region.
Keywords: #
- Araxes
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Saginaw Bay
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Lake Huron
- Steam Barge
The history of the ARAXES is a valuable chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, illustrating the evolution of shipping technology and the hazards of navigating these inland seas.
