Identification & Site Information #
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Vessel Type Description #
The Jay Gould was a wooden-hulled package freighter, known for its unique design featuring two stacks and wooden arches. It was one of the early vessels on the Great Lakes to be equipped with a compound marine engine, a significant technological advancement at the time. Initially built to serve as a freighter, the Jay Gould was later converted to accommodate passengers, reflecting its versatility and the evolving demands of maritime transport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History #
The Jay Gould had a long and eventful history on the Great Lakes, marked by various modifications, repairs, and ownership changes.
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1869: The Jay Gould was launched at Buffalo, New York, by Bidwell & Mason for the Union Steamboat Company. The vessel was powered by a steeple compound engine, making it one of the early adopters of this technology on the Great Lakes.
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1874: The vessel received a new steeple compound engine with 500 horsepower, enhancing its performance.
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1877: The Jay Gould underwent major repairs, including the installation of new arches. Over the years, the vessel continued to experience wear and tear, requiring additional repairs, such as the firebox boiler repair in 1879.
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1881-1882: The Jay Gould was involved in several collisions, including with the tug Swain at the mouth of the Detroit River and the schooner G.S. Hazard, both of which caused significant damage.
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1885: The vessel was overhauled in Duluth, Minnesota, and converted into a passenger steamer, with accommodations for 30 to 40 passengers.
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1888: A major rebuild took place in Buffalo, New York, where the wooden arches were replaced with steel, and a full-length passenger cabin was added, including 35 state rooms, accommodating up to 100 passengers.
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1892-1894: The Jay Gould struck a reef outside Racine, Wisconsin, in 1892, and in 1894, the vessel underwent repairs to its bottom after sustaining damage in Superior, Wisconsin.
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1900: A bridge collapse in Chicago caused significant hull damage to the Jay Gould.
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1906: The vessel was again rebuilt, this time measured at 213.8 feet in length, 33.9 feet in beam, and 11.5 feet in depth. It was under the ownership of Thomas L. Handy of Bay City, Michigan.
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1916: The Jay Gould was rebuilt as a bulk carrier in Detroit, Michigan, and ownership changed hands multiple times in subsequent years, including to the Rochester Transportation Company, H.N. Jex of Toledo, C.E. La Beau, and finally to the Citizens Sand & Gravel Company of Toledo.
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June 18, 1918: The Jay Gould met its final fate when it foundered in a gale off Southeast Shoal Light in Lake Erie. The vessel sank to a depth of 40 feet, and the crew was rescued by the steamer Midvale. The wreck was later dynamited as it posed a hazard to navigation.
Final Disposition #
The wreck of the Jay Gould now rests at a depth of 50 feet (17 meters) near Point Pelee in Lake Erie. The coordinates for the wreck site are N 41° 51.530′ W 82° 24.608′. Despite its ultimate demise, the Jay Gould played a significant role in the history of Great Lakes shipping, reflecting the technological advancements and challenges of maritime transport during its time.
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Steamer
- Lake Erie
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- 19th Century Vessel
- Point Pelee
- Package Freighter
Conclusion #
The Jay Gould was a vessel that adapted to the changing needs of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1869 to its tragic sinking in 1918, the Jay Gould served as both a freighter and a passenger steamer, navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. Its history is a testament to the resilience of the vessels and crews that plied these waters, facing numerous challenges and incidents along the way. Today, the wreck of the Jay Gould remains a significant piece of maritime history, offering a glimpse into the past for those who explore the depths of Lake Erie.
