Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: General Scott
- Type: Wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: Darius Cole
- Dimensions: 105 × 12 × 5 ft; ~64 tons (registered)
- Registered Tonnage: ~64 tons
- Location: Saginaw River (near modern Port Huron, on Lake Huron)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The General Scott was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer designed for passenger and package freight transport.
Description
Built in 1852 by Darius Cole in Saginaw, Michigan, the General Scott measured 105 feet in length and was registered at approximately 64 tons. The vessel was primarily used to connect Saginaw with other ports on Lake Huron.
History
During her brief operational history, the General Scott faced significant challenges from seasonal river and ice hazards, particularly during the spring freshets and ice breakup periods. Her construction aimed to facilitate passenger and cargo transport, but her vulnerability to these conditions ultimately led to her demise.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents related to the General Scott include:
- Tied to her dock during the spring ice breakup in the Saginaw River.
- Large ice floes crushed her hull against the dock pilings, causing irreparable damage.
- Officially declared “crushed beyond repair” due to compromised structural integrity.
- A later report suggested negligence, indicating a crew member left a seacock open during maintenance, leading to her sinking.
Final Disposition
The General Scott was officially declared lost on March 21, 1853, after sustaining damage from ice and potential crew negligence. The wreck is believed to be submerged in shallow waters of the Saginaw River, likely near her original dock.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Given the nature of her sinking due to hull failure and the rapid decay in freshwater, it is likely that only iron components, such as fasteners or machinery parts, may remain, possibly buried under river sediment. The wreck’s exact condition is unknown, and further exploration is needed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”general-scott-h-moore” title=”References & Links”]
The General Scott serves as an early example of the hazards faced by vessels in riverine areas of the Great Lakes, particularly related to ice. Her loss highlights the importance of strict seasonal maintenance and operational procedures, contributing to the evolution of maritime safety standards.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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