Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

A.N. Pike (1874)

Explore the wreck of the A.N. Pike, a wooden steambarge lost to fire in Lake St. Clair in 1879. Discover its history and significance in maritime lore.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: A.N. Pike
  • Type: Wooden Steambarge
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Builder: Not specified
  • Dimensions: Length 92 ft (28.0 m); Beam 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold 9 ft (2.7 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 114 tons (approx. 103.4 metric tonnes)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 6.4 m / 21 ft
  • Location: Lake St. Clair
  • Official Number: Not available
  • Original Owners: Not specified
  • Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden steambarge (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Description

The A.N. Pike was a wooden steambarge, originally constructed with an Erie Canal-boat hull. In 1873, she was rebuilt from a schooner-rigged canal boat to a steambarge at Oswego, New York, utilizing the engine and boiler from the burned tug George S. Dodge. These modifications were typical for vessels transitioning from canal to lake service during that era. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

History

Built in 1874, the A.N. Pike operated primarily in the Great Lakes region. On January 3, 1879, while anchored for the night after dropping off a group of excursionists or campers on an island in Lake St. Clair, the vessel caught fire, likely originating in the kitchen. The fire resulted in the total loss of the vessel, which sank in 21 feet (6.4 metres) of water. In 1879, her machinery was recovered, but the hull fell apart during salvage attempts. The engine and gear were later installed in the new steambarge Thompson Kingsford, built for Abner Mattoon in 1880. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Significant Incidents

  • January 3, 1879: Caught fire while anchored, leading to total loss and sinking.

Final Disposition

The A.N. Pike was declared a total loss following the fire and subsequent sinking. While her machinery was salvaged, the hull was not recoverable and was left to deteriorate in Lake St. Clair.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There is no available information indicating that the wreck of the A.N. Pike has been located or identified in modern times.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The loss of the A.N. Pike highlights the risks associated with wooden steam-powered vessels in the 19th century, particularly the dangers of onboard fires. While the vessel’s remains have not been located, her story contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake St. Clair and the broader Great Lakes region.