Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: G. P. Kingsbury
- Type: Wood-bodied tow-schooner or steamer
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Not found in online registers—further research needed
- Registered Tonnage: Not found in online registers—further research needed
- Location: Off Michigan waters
- Official Number: Not found in online registers—further research needed
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Primarily employed in towing scows—unpowered flat-bottom barges—along the lake. While the propulsion system remains unclear, the reported engine-room fire suggests she may have been a steam-powered tow vessel. Typical of her era and function, her construction would have combined utilitarian design with reinforced towing gear and a pilothouse for navigation.
Description
The G. P. Kingsbury typifies 19th-century tow-schooners and steam tugs operating on Lake Michigan. Although the vessel’s technical and registry details are as yet uncatalogued, the circumstances of its burning under the pilothouse and subsequent scuttling off Michigan in October 1891 are clear indicators of an engine-room–origin fire. This case presents opportunities for both archival research and underwater archaeological survey, likely revealing remnants of machinery or pilothouse structure in a near-shore scuttling site.
History
On October 19, 1891, a fire erupted under the pilothouse while the G. P. Kingsbury was towing a scow in Lake Michigan. The vessel sustained severe damage and was ultimately scuttled (deliberately sunk) off Michigan waters. No crew casualties are documented, and the name of any lost scow or cargo remains unknown. The reported cause of the fire likely began in the machinery or stokehold area, which is common in poorly ventilated tug/pilot spaces.
Significant Incidents
- Incident: Fire erupted under the pilothouse while towing a scow in Lake Michigan.
- Outcome: Sustained severe damage and was ultimately scuttled (deliberately sunk) off Michigan waters.
- Losses: No crew casualties are documented—name of any lost scow or cargo remains unknown.
- Reported Cause: Fire likely began in machinery or stokehold area, common in poorly ventilated tug/pilot spaces.
Final Disposition
The G. P. Kingsbury was scuttled off Michigan waters following the fire incident. The exact location of the wreck remains uncertain, and further research is needed to locate the debris.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the condition of the wreck is unknown due to the lack of detailed surveys. Any scuttling operation may have been followed by salvage claims, and checking underwriter archives could provide more information. If the approximate location is known, a sonar survey may locate debris piles, including metal engine parts and pilothouse wreckage.
Resources & Links
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Future research efforts should focus on archival resources, including U.S. Enrollment ledgers, marine insurance records, and contemporary newspaper coverage to gather more information about the G. P. Kingsbury and its operational history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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