Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: CONGRESS (ex-DETROIT)
- Type: Steam propeller freighter
- Year Built: 1861
- Builder: Peck & Masters, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length 138 ft (42 m); Beam 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 452 gross tons (reported)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 5.2 m / 17 ft
- Location: Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
- Official Number: Not located
- Original Owners: S.L. McKnight et al. (initial)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steam propeller freighter (oil-burning retrofitted)
Description
The CONGRESS began life in 1861 as the DETROIT, a wooden-hulled propeller steamer designed for bulk freight carriage on the Great Lakes. Built by Peck & Masters of Cleveland, she was retrofitted in 1866 with oil-burning propulsion—the first vessel on the Great Lakes to test this innovative technology. Her versatility allowed her to serve both commercial trade and U.S. military logistics.
History
Construction and Early Career: Launched as the DETROIT in 1861, the vessel was operated by S.L. McKnight and partners out of Detroit, moving bulk cargo and merchandise.
Military Service: During the American Civil War, the vessel was chartered by the U.S. Quartermaster’s Department to transport supplies, demonstrating the adaptability of Great Lakes steamers for national service.
Innovation and Renaming: In 1866, following her conversion to oil-fuel propulsion, she was renamed CONGRESS. This marked the first adoption of oil-burning engines on the lakes, a technological milestone.
Significant Incidents
- First Stranding: Grounded at Black River Island in heavy weather; freed, but hull compromised.
- Second Stranding & Fire: Ran aground again near Thunder Bay Island, where fire broke out aboard, quickly consuming her wooden hull.
- Breakup: Following the fire, wave action broke her remains apart. The vessel was declared a total loss, but no lives were lost.
Final Disposition
The CONGRESS was destroyed in shallow water, burned to the waterline, and broken up by storm waves. Conflicting reports suggested possible later records in 1873 or 1893, but these appear to be registry errors or different vessels. Her mixed cargo was lost with the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck has not been conclusively located. Any surviving remains are presumed scattered and buried beneath sediment near Thunder Bay Island, within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
No active navigational hazards are associated with the site. The wreck lies within sanctuary waters, where all submerged cultural resources are federally protected.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”congress-detroit-1861″ title=”References & Links”]
Access to the site is by boat, with entry points available through the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Divers should be aware of variable visibility and seasonal thermoclines, with a depth range of approximately 17 ft (5.2 m). Emergency contacts include the USCG Sector Sault Ste. Marie / Alpena station, and permits are required for any artifact recovery or intrusive study due to sanctuary regulations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →