Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Belle P. Cross
- Type: Wooden Steam Barge
- Year Built: 1870
- Builder: A. Turner
- Dimensions: 135 ft (41.15 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.92 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.66 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 299; Net: 211
- Location: Near Gooseberry River, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 2719
- Original Owners: Clow and Nicholson of Duluth
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steam barge, commonly referred to as a “rabbit”—a term used for small, versatile freight steamers in the Great Lakes region.
Description
The Belle P. Cross was designed for freight transport across the Great Lakes. Its wooden hull and steam propulsion made it suitable for carrying various cargoes, including lumber and other goods essential to the region’s economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History
Constructed in 1870 by A. Turner in Trenton, Michigan, the Belle P. Cross served as a freight carrier on the Great Lakes for over three decades. The vessel underwent significant repairs in 1883 and was rebuilt in 1902, indicating its continued utility and the value placed on it by its owners. At the time of its loss, the Belle P. Cross was owned by Clow and Nicholson of Duluth.
On April 23, 1903, while transporting a load of cedar posts, the Belle P. Cross encountered a severe blizzard and gale conditions near the Gooseberry River on Lake Superior’s north shore. The vessel struck a reef off Castle Danger, Minnesota, and broke apart rapidly due to the storm’s intensity. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported among the crew.
Significant Incidents
- April 23, 1903: The Belle P. Cross was wrecked during a storm while carrying cedar posts.
Final Disposition
The Belle P. Cross was declared a total loss after the incident. Wreckers who arrived at the scene on April 30, 1903, found the vessel completely destroyed. Subsequently, the remains were sold for $80, a nominal sum reflecting the extent of the damage.
Current Condition & Accessibility
To date, only the rudder of the Belle P. Cross has been located. The rest of the wreck remains undiscovered.
There are no current navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck site of the Belle P. Cross.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”belle-p-cross-us-2719″ title=”References & Links”]
The Belle P. Cross serves as a historical example of the perils faced by freight vessels navigating the often treacherous waters of Lake Superior. Its loss underscores the challenges of maritime transport in the early 20th century and contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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