Detroit US 6198

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: DETROIT
• Type: Steamer
• Year Built: 1859
• Builder: Mason & Bidwell, Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 239 ft (72.85 m); Beam: 34 ft 4 in (10.46 m); Depth of hold: 13 ft 2 in (4.01 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1039 31/95 tons
• Location: Near Greenbush, south of Harrisville, Michigan
• Official Number: 6198
• Original Owners: Julius Morris, Lake Michigan Transit Co., Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad Co.
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The DETROIT was a steamer, originally designed as a sidewheel vessel and later converted to a propeller/screw steamer.

Description

The DETROIT was constructed of wood, diagonally strapped with iron for added structural integrity. It featured one deck and was equipped with two tubular boilers and a vertical beam engine.

History

The DETROIT was launched on May 18, 1859, as a sister ship to the MILWAUKEE (1868). It was built at a cost of $250,000 for luxury service between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Grand Haven, Michigan. Ownership transitioned from Julius Morris to the Lake Michigan Transit Co. and then to the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad Co. in 1864.

The vessel faced numerous challenges, including mechanical failures and groundings, with notable incidents in 1862 and 1868. Despite these setbacks, it underwent multiple rebuilds, including a conversion to a schooner barge in 1870 and a reconstruction as a propeller steamer in 1871.

Significant Incidents

• 1862: Broke machinery near Long Point, Lake Erie; sprang a leak near Malden in the Detroit River.
• 1862, Nov: Sank in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, but was later raised.
• 1863: Ran aground at Sand Point, Saginaw Bay.
• 1868: Wrecked outside Grand Haven, Michigan.

Final Disposition

On September 29, 1872, while towing the schooner barge HUNTER, the DETROIT encountered a storm on Lake Huron near Greenbush. Both vessels were driven ashore, resulting in the wreck of the DETROIT. Its machinery was salvaged in 1875 and installed in the steamer NORTHWEST. The vessel’s documents were surrendered on March 8, 1873, marking the end of its service.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There is no documented discovery of the wreck site of the DETROIT near Greenbush or Harrisville, Michigan.

Resources & Links

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The DETROIT‘s history reflects the challenges and adaptations of Great Lakes steamers during the 19th century, showcasing the evolution of maritime technology and the unpredictable nature of lake navigation.