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.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: General Scott
- Built: 1852 by Darius Cole in Saginaw, Michigan
- Type: Wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer, used for passenger and package freight
- Dimensions: 105 × 12 × 5 ft; ~64 tons (registered)
- Loss Date: March 21, 1853
- Wreck Location: Saginaw River (near modern Port Huron, on Lake Huron)
- Casualties: None
- Master: Capt. Cole (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Beavertail Lighthouse Museum)
Incident & Sinking Circumstances
- Tied to her dock during the spring ice breakup in the Saginaw River.
- As the ice moved out, large floes crushed her hull against the dock pilings, inflicting irreparable damage.
- Officially declared “crushed beyond repair“—the hull’s structural integrity compromised by ice.
- A later newspaper reported her sinking was due to negligence: a crew member reportedly left a seacock open during spring maintenance, causing her to fill and sink (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Vessel History & Operations
- Built to carry passengers and smaller general cargo, linking Saginaw with other ports on Lake Huron.
- In her short service life, she proved vulnerable to seasonal river and ice hazards prevalent during spring freshets and breakup periods.
Archival & Research Gaps
- Construction Records: Yard and registration documentation from Saginaw (1852) may yield the official enrollment data.
- Crew List: Names and ranks of crew aboard at the time—enrollment records held at Port Huron or Detroit district archives.
- Dock Logs: Saginaw River dock or harbor master records from March 1853, detailing ice breakup and management.
- Press Coverage: March–April 1853 Michigan newspapers may include accident reports or seacock negligence allegations.
- Salvage Decision Records: Documents relating to hull disposition—possibly in State marine agency or insurance claims.
Wreck & Exploration Potential
- Location: Shallow Saginaw River waters, most likely submerged near original dock.
- Extent of Wreckage: Given the sinking was due to hull failure and the rapid decay in freshwater, only iron components—fasteners or machinery parts—may remain, likely buried under river sediment.
- Survey Strategy:
- Historical chart comparison: Identify original dock location.
- Subsurface survey via magnetometer and side-scan sonar to identify metal debris field.
- Diver inspection to verify presence and condition of remains, followed by documentation.
Historical Significance
- General Scott serves as an early illustration of ice-related vessel hazards in riverine areas of the Great Lakes.
- Her loss due to ice impact and possible crew negligence underscores the necessity for strict seasonal maintenance and operational procedures—contributing to evolving maritime safety standards.
Recommended Next Steps
- Request enrollment and service records from the National Archives (Detroit Customs District, 1852–1853).
- Locate Michigan newspaper articles (e.g., Saginaw Courier, Detroit Free Press) from March–April 1853.
- Retrieve river harbor logs detailing spring ice conditions and dock operations.
- Commission a remote-sensing survey near the believed wreck site to assess any remaining structural or metal components.