Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Don Quixote
- Type: Side-Wheel Steamer
- Year Built: 1836
- Builder: Toledo (then Michigan Territory)
- Dimensions: ~81 × 16 × 4 ft; approx. 51 tons
- Registered Tonnage: ~51 tons
- Location: Near Thunder Bay Island
- Official Number: None recorded
- Original Owners: J. M. Mills of Detroit
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden side-wheel steamer, configured for passengers and package freight.
Description
The Don Quixote was a side-wheel steamer built in 1836, notable for its role in early steam navigation on Lake Huron. It was designed to carry both passengers and freight, including a significant cargo of a printing press intended for the inaugural newspaper in Grand Rapids.
History
The Don Quixote embarked on its final voyage from the Buffalo region, heading towards Grand Rapids, Michigan. Unfortunately, on January 14, 1837, the vessel ran aground and became stranded in shallow waters near Thunder Bay Island. The damage sustained was severe enough to classify the vessel as a total wreck.
Significant Incidents
- Ran aground during early-season winter navigation.
- Deemed a total wreck with the hull partially above water.
- No casualties reported among the crew or passengers.
Final Disposition
- Stranded and partially sunk in shallow water.
- Naturally settled as a total wreck with no subsequent salvage of the hull.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Don Quixote remains in its resting place, with no known salvage operations conducted on the hull. The site may be of interest to divers due to its historical significance and the early use of steam navigation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”don-quixote-1836″ title=”References & Links”]
The Don Quixote serves as a reminder of the early days of steam navigation on the Great Lakes and the cultural importance of its cargo, which contributed to the establishment of Grand Rapids’ first newspaper.
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.
Side-Wheel Steamer – Built 1836, Lost January 14 1837
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Don Quixote
- Official Number: None recorded
- Built: 1836, Toledo (then Michigan Territory)
- Vessel Type: Wooden side-wheel steamer, configured for passengers and package freight
- Dimensions: ~81 × 16 × 4 ft; approx. 51 tons
- Final Voyage: Departed Buffalo region, en route to Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Date of Loss: January 14 1837
- Location: Near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
Circumstances of Loss
Don Quixote ran aground and stranded in shallow water during early-season winter navigation. The damage was severe enough to deem her a total wreck. Though the hull remained partially above water, salvaging her was deemed unviable.
Cargo & Mission
Carrying a printing press and equipment destined for Grand Rapids’ inaugural newspaper—an essential cultural asset. These items were salvaged and transferred to a schooner to complete delivery.
Post-Wreck Utilization
Though the vessel itself was lost, her engine found a second life—reused in the construction of the Grand River steamer Governor Mason. Ownership was held by J. M. Mills of Detroit.
Final Disposition
- Stranded and partially sunk in shallow water
- Naturally settled as a total wreck with no subsequent salvage of the hull
Historical Significance
- Represents an early use of steam navigation on Lake Huron
- Carries unique cultural importance via the printing press intended to help launch Grand Rapids’ first newspaper
- Example of material re-use in early Great Lakes steamship construction (engine transferred to Governor Mason)
References
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – Profile of Don Quixote with build and loss details, printing press cargo, and engine salvage notes
(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1836, Toledo, Michigan Territory |
| Type | Wooden side-wheel passenger/freight steamer |
| Tonnage | ~51 tons |
| Lost | Jan 14, 1837, Lake Huron (Thunder Bay Island region) |
| Cause | Stranding in shallow water; total wreck |
| Cargo | Printing press & equipment for Grand Rapids newspaper |
| Crew/Cargo Fate | No casualties; press salvaged by schooner |
| Engine | Installed in steamer Governor Mason |