Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: De Soto
- Type: Wooden-hulled, three-masted bark
- Year Built: 1856
- Builder: Peck & Masters, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: 161 ft x 34 ft x 11 ft (approx. 49.1 m x 10.4 m x 3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 583 gross tons (approx. 529 metric tonnes)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Marquette, Michigan, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Official Number: 6441
- Original Owners: R.K. Winslow, Cleveland, Ohio
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The De Soto was a wooden-hulled, three-masted bark, a common type of sailing vessel in the mid-19th century Great Lakes trade. Barks were known for their cargo capacity and were often employed in transporting bulk goods such as iron ore.
Description
Constructed in 1856 by Peck & Masters in Cleveland, Ohio, the De Soto measured 161 feet in length, 34 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth (approx. 49.1 m x 10.4 m x 3.4 m), with a gross tonnage of 583 tons (approx. 529 metric tonnes). Designed for durability and cargo capacity, she was a robust vessel suited for the rigors of Great Lakes navigation.
History
The De Soto served in the Great Lakes maritime trade for 13 years under the ownership of R.K. Winslow of Cleveland, Ohio. On November 19, 1869, while lying at anchor in Marquette, Michigan, during a gale, the vessel dragged her anchors and collided with the schooner Athenian, resulting in the loss of her jibboom and bowsprit. Subsequently, she was laid up at a dock in Marquette awaiting repairs. On December 12, 1869, a nor’easter tore her loose from the dock, causing her to drag ashore just south of the Cleveland dock, where she was pounded to pieces by the storm. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Significant Incidents
- November 19, 1869: Collided with the schooner Athenian while at anchor during a gale.
- December 12, 1869: Torn loose from dock by a nor’easter and dragged ashore, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
The De Soto was declared a total loss after the December 12, 1869, storm. The wreckage settled in shallow waters near Marquette, Michigan. Today, remnants of the vessel’s framing and planking lie in approximately 10 feet (3 meters) of water, making it accessible to divers and snorkelers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The remains of the De Soto are located within the Marquette Underwater Preserve. While the exact date of discovery is not specified, the site is documented and monitored by the preserve.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”de-soto-us-6441″ title=”References & Links”]
The De Soto serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her remains offer a tangible connection to this rich history and provide an accessible site for divers and maritime enthusiasts to explore.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
- Name: De Soto
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: 6441
- Date Built & Launched: 1856
- Builder: Peck & Masters, Cleveland, Ohio
- Construction: Wooden-hulled, three-masted bark
- Tonnage: 583 gross tons (approx. 529 metric tonnes)
- Dimensions: 161 ft x 34 ft x 11 ft (approx. 49.1 m x 10.4 m x 3.4 m)
- Date Lost: December 12, 1869
- Location of Loss: Marquette, Michigan, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Cargo at Time of Loss: 480 tons (approx. 435 metric tonnes) of iron ore
- Cause of Loss: Collision during storm, followed by grounding
- Crew: No casualties reported
- Final Disposition: Total loss
- Owner at Time of Loss: R.K. Winslow, Cleveland, Ohio
- Sources: Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Marquette Underwater Preserve(Wikimedia Commons, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Michigan Underwater Preserves)
Vessel Type
The De Soto was a wooden-hulled, three-masted bark, a common type of sailing vessel in the mid-19th century Great Lakes trade. Barks were known for their cargo capacity and were often employed in transporting bulk goods such as iron ore.
Description(Tupuy)
Constructed in 1856 by Peck & Masters in Cleveland, Ohio, the De Soto measured 161 feet in length, 34 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth (approx. 49.1 m x 10.4 m x 3.4 m), with a gross tonnage of 583 tons (approx. 529 metric tonnes). Designed for durability and cargo capacity, she was a robust vessel suited for the rigors of Great Lakes navigation.
History
The De Soto served in the Great Lakes maritime trade for 13 years under the ownership of R.K. Winslow of Cleveland, Ohio. On November 19, 1869, while lying at anchor in Marquette, Michigan, during a gale, the vessel dragged her anchors and collided with the schooner Athenian, resulting in the loss of her jibboom and bowsprit. Subsequently, she was laid up at a dock in Marquette awaiting repairs. On December 12, 1869, a nor’easter tore her loose from the dock, causing her to drag ashore just south of the Cleveland dock, where she was pounded to pieces by the storm. No casualties were reported in the incident.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition(Internet Archive)
The De Soto was declared a total loss after the December 12, 1869, storm. The wreckage settled in shallow waters near Marquette, Michigan. Today, remnants of the vessel’s framing and planking lie in approximately 10 feet (3 meters) of water, making it accessible to divers and snorkelers.(Travel Marquette, Michigan Underwater Preserves)
Located By & Date Found
The remains of the De Soto are located within the Marquette Underwater Preserve. While the exact date of discovery is not specified, the site is documented and monitored by the preserve.(Travel Marquette)
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the De Soto. However, divers should consult local guidelines and regulations when planning a visit to the site.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
- Marquette Underwater Preserve(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Michigan Underwater Preserves)
Conclusion
The De Soto serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her remains offer a tangible connection to this rich history and provide an accessible site for divers and maritime enthusiasts to explore.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: De Soto, Marquette shipwreck, Lake Superior, iron ore transport, 19th-century bark, Great Lakes maritime history
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Vessels, Bark Sailing Ships
Glossary Terms:
- Bark: A sailing vessel with three or more masts, with the foremast and mainmast square-rigged and the mizzenmast rigged fore-and-aft.
- Jibboom: A spar extending forward from the bowsprit, used to carry the jib sails.
- Bowsprit: A spar extending forward from the vessel’s prow, supporting the foremast and sails.
- Nor’easter: A storm or wind blowing from the northeast, often bringing severe weather conditions.
- Marquette Underwater Preserve: A designated area in Lake Superior near Marquette, Michigan, established to protect and preserve underwater cultural resources, including shipwrecks.
Shore Dive Information(Munising)
- Shore Access Location: Marquette, Michigan; access via local beaches and boat launches
- Entry Type: Beach or shoreline entry
- Depth Range: Approximately 10 feet (3 meters)
- Current & Conditions: Generally calm; visibility can vary with weather and water conditions
- Points of Interest: Framing and planking of the De Soto; accessible for snorkeling and novice divers
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Safety & Emergency Info:
- Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Marquette General Hospital
- Coast Guard Contacts: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie
- Nearest Known 911 Address: Marquette, Michigan
- Emergency Numbers: 911 (U.S.); 112 (Canada)
- Local Regulations: Diving within the Marquette Underwater Preserve is subject to state regulations; no artifact removal permitted
- Best Time to Dive: Summer months (June to August) for optimal water temperatures and visibility
- Driving Directions: Accessible via U.S. Route 41 to Marquette, Michigan
- Additional Resources: Local dive shops in Marquette offer guided tours and equipment rentals(Michigan Underwater Preserves, Travel Marquette)