Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: CHARLES H. BRADLEY
- Type: Wooden Steambarge
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: F. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 201 ft (61.3 m); Beam 37 ft (11.3 m); Depth of hold 13.6 ft (4.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 804.11 tons; Net: 624.35 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 5.2 m / 17 ft
- Location: Portage Lake, Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: N 47° 02.140 W 088° 29.020
- Official Number: 126653
- Original Owners: Charles H. Bradley Lumber Company, Bay City, Michigan
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The CHARLES H. BRADLEY was a wooden steambarge built for transporting bulk freight, primarily pulpwood, a critical commodity for the lumber industry of the Great Lakes region. Its design included three masts and a diagonal strapping system for added hull strength, as well as a steel boilerhouse and an ice-sheathed bow to withstand harsh conditions. Propelled by a compound steam engine driving a screw propeller, the vessel reflected the rugged, utilitarian nature of late 19th-century Great Lakes freighters.
Description
Built in 1890 by F. Wheeler & Co., the CHARLES H. BRADLEY served as a workhorse for the Charles H. Bradley Lumber Company. The steambarge was integral to the transport of pulpwood and other bulk materials, navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes with its reinforced hull and robust propulsion system.
History
On October 9, 1931, the vessel was towing the barge GRAMPIAN through Portage Lake near the Keweenaw Peninsula. Tragedy struck when the CHARLES H. BRADLEY ran aground on a bar at the mouth of the Sturgeon River. The grounded vessel was then struck by the GRAMPIAN, triggering a catastrophic fire. Flames quickly engulfed the steambarge, burning it to the waterline and leaving it a total loss.
Despite the severity of the incident, all 14 people aboard escaped without injury—a remarkable outcome given the rapid escalation of events.
Significant Incidents
- October 9, 1931: The CHARLES H. BRADLEY ran aground and was struck by the barge GRAMPIAN, resulting in a catastrophic fire.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the CHARLES H. BRADLEY lies in Portage Lake, with remains scattered across a depth range of 6 to 17 feet. The site is near the mouth of the Sturgeon River at the southern end of Portage Lake. The wreck is partially submerged and heavily deteriorated, but it remains accessible for divers and maritime history enthusiasts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The CHARLES H. BRADLEY rests in a state of advanced deterioration, consistent with its wooden construction and the damage sustained in the fire. However, the wreck’s shallow depth makes it accessible for divers, snorkelers, and researchers interested in studying Great Lakes maritime history. Visibility and accessibility may vary depending on water and weather conditions in the Portage Lake area.
Resources & Links
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The CHARLES H. BRADLEY symbolizes the hard-working vessels that powered the Great Lakes’ industrial and economic growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its destruction in 1931, caused by grounding, collision, and fire, highlights the dangers faced by mariners operating in these challenging waters. The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the region’s rich maritime history and the resilience of those who worked on the Great Lakes. Today, the site serves as a historical point of interest for those seeking to connect with the legacy of Great Lakes shipping.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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