Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Aurora
- Type: Large wooden propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1887
- Builder: Murphy & Miller, Cleveland, OH
- Dimensions: 290 ft (88 m) × ~40 ft beam
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Harbor Island, Grand Haven, Michigan
- Original Owners: John Corrigan's Aurora Mining Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Aurora was a large wooden propeller steamer, notable for being the largest and most powerfully built of its kind on the Great Lakes at the time of its launch.
Description
Constructed from Kentucky oak and reinforced with iron straps, the Aurora was designed for transporting iron ore from the Gogebic Range to Cleveland, with coal and general freight on return trips. Its construction featured a unique oak-and-iron strap design, which is of archaeological interest.
History
Launched on August 23, 1887, the Aurora served primarily in the iron ore trade until it suffered a catastrophic fire in December 1898 while trapped in ice at Bois Blanc, burning to the waterline. After being rebuilt as a barge, it continued to operate until it was laid up and abandoned by 1927. The vessel was towed to Grand Haven, Michigan, where it burned again in 1932 and was left in shallow water.
Significant Incidents
- December 1898: The Aurora burned while trapped in ice.
- 1932: The vessel burned again at Grand Haven and was abandoned.
- December 2012: The wreck was rediscovered during low water conditions, with over 200 feet of its structure exposed.
Final Disposition
The Aurora was ultimately abandoned after its second fire in 1932. Its remains were partially exposed during low water in December 2012, revealing significant portions of its structure.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Currently, approximately 200 feet of the Aurora‘s ribs and keel are exposed, while the remaining structure is covered by shifting sands and vegetation. The construction matches the original build specifications, with oak frames visible.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”aurora-1887″ title=”References & Links”]
The Aurora serves as a significant historical artifact, illustrating the engineering practices of the late 19th century and the lifecycle of maritime vessels in the Great Lakes region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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