Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alexander (formerly General Sherman)
- Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel
- Year Built: 1865
- Builder: J. Monk, Sandusky, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 104 ft (31.7 m); Beam: 23 ft (7.0 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 129
- Location: Lake St. Clair, near Belle River, Ontario
- Official Number: US#10630
- Original Owners: Joseph Roberts or Peter McKerran of Chatham, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Propeller Vessel
Description
The Alexander, originally named General Sherman, was a wooden vessel designed for passenger and package freight transportation. Its history spans a period of intensive use in the mid-19th century Great Lakes shipping industry.
History
The ship was constructed in 1865 and initially operated in the United States. In 1873, it was sold to Canadian ownership, becoming associated with Joseph Roberts or Peter McKerran of Chatham, Ontario. Although officially registered in Montreal, the vessel primarily operated between Chatham and Detroit.
The vessel’s design has led to some historical ambiguity. While many sources describe it as a propeller or sternwheeler, early accounts, including those from Detroit newspapers, suggest it may have been a sidewheeler or “pollywog,” characterized by side wheels on its quarters.
Significant Incidents
- On October 4, 1879, while transporting lumber (specifically ship planks) from Chatham to Detroit, a fire broke out near the stack of the Alexander. The fire spread uncontrollably, causing the vessel to break apart and sink approximately four miles from Belle River, Ontario, in Lake St. Clair. Despite the vessel’s complete loss, no fatalities were reported in available records.
Final Disposition
On October 4, 1879, the Alexander burned and sank in Lake St. Clair. The fire originated near the stack and spread rapidly, leading to the vessel’s destruction.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no records of a confirmed discovery or archaeological investigation into the wreck site of the Alexander. No current advisories or hazards have been noted for the location of the Alexander‘s sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alexander-general-sherman-us-10630-c-61161″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Alexander provides an intriguing example of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, particularly the evolution and ambiguity of vessel designs in this era. Its fiery demise near Belle River, Ontario, is a stark reminder of the perils faced by wooden ships navigating the Great Lakes.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information:
- Name: The Alexander (formerly General Sherman)
- Other Names: General Sherman
- Official Number: US#10630
- Builder: J. Monk, Sandusky, Ohio
- Date Built: 1865
- Measurements:
- Length: 104 ft (31.7 m)
- Width: 23 ft (7.0 m)
- Depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 129
- Final Disposition: Burned and sank, October 4, 1879, Lake St. Clair, near Belle River, Ontario
Vessel Type:
Wooden Propeller Vessel
Description:
The Alexander, originally named General Sherman, was a wooden vessel designed for passenger and package freight transportation. Its history spans a period of intensive use in the mid-19th century Great Lakes shipping industry.
History:
The ship was constructed in 1865 and initially operated in the United States. In 1873, it was sold to Canadian ownership, becoming associated with Joseph Roberts or Peter McKerran of Chatham, Ontario. Although officially registered in Montreal, the vessel primarily operated between Chatham and Detroit.
The vessel’s design has led to some historical ambiguity. While many sources describe it as a propeller or sternwheeler, early accounts, including those from Detroit newspapers, suggest it may have been a sidewheeler or “pollywog,” characterized by side wheels on its quarters.
Final Disposition:
On October 4, 1879, while transporting lumber (specifically ship planks) from Chatham to Detroit, a fire broke out near the stack of the Alexander. The fire spread uncontrollably, causing the vessel to break apart and sink approximately four miles from Belle River, Ontario, in Lake St. Clair. Despite the vessel’s complete loss, no fatalities were reported in available records.
Located By & Date Found:
There are no records of a confirmed discovery or archaeological investigation into the wreck site of the Alexander.
Notmars & Advisories:
No current advisories or hazards have been noted for the location of the Alexander‘s sinking.
Resources & Links:
Conclusion:
The Alexander provides an intriguing example of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, particularly the evolution and ambiguity of vessel designs in this era. Its fiery demise near Belle River, Ontario, is a stark reminder of the perils faced by wooden ships navigating the Great Lakes.
Keywords: • Great Lakes • Wooden Propeller Vessel • Ship Fire • Lake St. Clair
Glossary:
- Propeller Vessel: A ship powered by a screw propeller.
- Sidewheeler: A vessel with paddle wheels located on the sides for propulsion.
- Pollywog: A colloquial term for vessels with side wheels, often unique in their design.