Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: G.W. Gardner
- Type: Wood-hulled steam tug (towboat)
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: Quayle & Martin
- Dimensions: 65 ft (19.81 m) length × 15 ft beam × 8.4 ft depth
- Registered Tonnage: 53 GT / 26 NT
- Location: Deep water off Chicago
- Official Number: 10157
- Original Owners: Hand & Drake of Buffalo, NY; Johnson et al. by 1879
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wood-hulled steam tug (towboat)
Description
Description
The G.W. Gardner was a wood-hulled steam tug built in 1862, notable for its high-pressure steam engine and significant towing capabilities on the Great Lakes.
History
History
Built for Hand & Drake of Buffalo, NY, the G.W. Gardner was renowned for its towing efficiency and profitability, often cited as one of the most successful tugs of its time. It was owned by Johnson et al. by 1879 and was frequently mentioned in local newspapers.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Not listed after 1904, indicating retirement or scuttling.
- Reportedly scuttled in deep water off Chicago in April 1904.
- Abandoned in 1905, with no records of salvage.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
In April 1904, the Buffalo Evening News reported that the G.W. Gardner would be taken to deep water off Chicago and deliberately sunk. It was abandoned in 1905 and recorded as sinking in deep water off the city.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is likely intact on the bottom of Lake Michigan, but no known dive surveys or sonar mapping have been conducted.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”g-w-gardner-us-10157″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The G.W. Gardner represents a significant piece of maritime history, reflecting the evolution of steam tugs in the 19th century. Investigating its wreck could provide valuable insights into historical engineering practices and the lifecycle of working vessels.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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