Arizona US 1768 (City of Marquette)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ARIZONA (also CITY OF MARQUETTE)
• Type: Bulk Carrier (originally Passenger and Freight Steamer)
• Year Built: 1868
• Builder: Quayle & Martin
• Dimensions: Length: 187.5 ft (57.2 m); Beam: 32.4 ft (9.9 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Original: 870.74 tons; Later Adjusted: 765.03 gross tons, 601.06 net tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
• Location: Near Wolfe Island, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: N 44° 06′ 55″, W 76° 24′ 40″

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ARIZONA was a wooden propeller steamship, the first on the Great Lakes equipped with a compound engine—a cutting-edge innovation for its time. Initially designed as a passenger and freight steamer, it was later reconstructed as a steam barge in 1888, featuring steel arches and a steel boiler house. Although some reports referred to it as the CITY OF MARQUETTE, official records retained the name ARIZONA.

Description

The ARIZONA lies in 10–20 feet of water in the St. Lawrence River, near Wolfe Island. The keel and ribs remain upright and intact, while deck and side fragments are scattered across the riverbed. The wreck site, shallow and moderately current-affected, attracts divers and historians.

History

Launched in 1868, the ARIZONA began as a premier passenger and freight steamer on the Great Lakes. Early in its career, it operated between Chicago and Buffalo under the Erie & Western Transportation Co (Anchor Line). Its use of a compound engine showcased technological advancements in steamship design, optimizing fuel efficiency and power.

Over its service, the vessel encountered several notable incidents:

• 1873 Collision: The ARIZONA collided with the B. W. BLANCHARD, sinking near St. Clair Flats. It was salvaged and repaired in Detroit.
• 1887 Fire: While carrying oil and acid, the ARIZONA caught fire and sank in Marquette, Michigan. It was raised and restored for continued use.
• Reconstruction (1888): Converted into a steam barge to handle bulk cargo. Structural modifications included steel arches and a steel boiler house.

By the early 20th century, the vessel primarily transported bulk goods, such as grain and ore. In 1922, a catastrophic fire near Cape Vincent, Lake Ontario, ended its operational life. Later, its remains were scuttled in the St. Lawrence River, contributing to the Wolfe Island wreck graveyard.

Significant Incidents

• 1873 Collision with B. W. BLANCHARD, salvaged and repaired.
• 1887 Fire while carrying oil and acid, raised and restored.
• 1888 Reconstruction into a steam barge.

Final Disposition

The wreck was identified near channel marker 244 and Wolfe Island in the St. Lawrence River. Although its discovery date is unspecified, it has been a known site for decades.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in a relatively shallow depth of 10–20 feet, making it accessible to divers. Despite deterioration over time, the structural remains provide insight into 19th-century shipbuilding. Moderate currents and the dispersed nature of the wreck challenge navigation but offer a rewarding dive for enthusiasts.

Resources & Links

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The ARIZONA, later referred to as the CITY OF MARQUETTE, exemplifies the adaptability and innovation of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. Its transition from passenger steamer to bulk carrier reflects the evolving demands of regional maritime trade. Today, its wreck near Wolfe Island serves as a valuable historical and recreational site, inviting exploration and appreciation of Great Lakes maritime history.