Bessie Smith US 2852

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: BESSIE SMITH
• Type: Three-masted wooden schooner barge
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Bailey Brothers, Toledo, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 201 ft (61.3 m); Beam: 37 ft (11.3 m); Depth of hold: 17 ft (5.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 723 tons
• Location: Iron Ore Bay, Beaver Island, Lake Michigan
• Coordinates: N 45°34'33.5" W 085°35'47.0"
• Official Number: 2852
• Original Owners: Shepard, Henry & Company, Erie, Pennsylvania
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The BESSIE SMITH was a large, three-masted schooner-barge, a common vessel type designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Originally capable of sailing on its own, the BESSIE SMITH was primarily towed by steamers to reduce costs and increase efficiency. When steamers became disabled or unavailable, schooner-barges would hoist sails and operate independently.

Given its size and design, the BESSIE SMITH was used for hauling heavy cargoes like iron ore, coal, and lumber.

Description

The BESSIE SMITH had one of the shortest service lives in Great Lakes history, being lost in the same year it was built.

History

The BESSIE SMITH was built in Toledo, Ohio, by Bailey Brothers for Shepard, Henry & Co., Erie, Pennsylvania. It ran aground on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, after being caught in a storm in November 1873. By April 4, 1874, it was reported as having “gone to pieces,” indicating a total loss.

Significant Incidents

• 1873: Built in Toledo, Ohio, by Bailey Brothers for Shepard, Henry & Co., Erie, Pennsylvania.
• November 1873: Ran aground on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, after being caught in a storm.
• April 4, 1874: Reported as having “gone to pieces,” meaning a total loss.

Final Disposition

The BESSIE SMITH was lost on November 7, 1873, after being driven ashore in a storm near Beaver Island, Lake Michigan.

The Disaster

1. The BESSIE SMITH was under tow from Escanaba, Michigan, carrying 1,500 tons of iron ore.
2. The steamer J. KELLEY, which was towing the BESSIE SMITH, became disabled.
3. The BESSIE SMITH hoisted sails and towed J. KELLEY back to safety before attempting to continue on its own.
4. The vessel was later picked up by the steamer ANNIE YOUNG but broke loose in a storm and was driven ashore.
5. Wreckers attempted to pump out the vessel using the largest available steam pumps, but they could not save her.
6. By April 6, 1874, reports confirmed that the vessel had completely broken apart.

The BESSIE SMITH was never successfully re-floated, and the iron ore cargo was lost as well.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The BESSIE SMITH has been located and is visible near Iron Ore Bay, Beaver Island. However, no formal archaeological survey has been conducted, and much of the wreck is now buried by shifting sands and ice movement.

Resources & Links

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The BESSIE SMITH was a brand-new vessel lost within months of entering service, illustrating the dangers of Great Lakes storms, the risks of schooner-barge towing, and the challenges of maritime salvage efforts in the 19th century. Her wreck is still visible off Beaver Island, making it one of the few known schooner-barge wrecks accessible via satellite imagery.