Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: General Taylor
- Type: Propeller-driven wooden steamship
- Year Built: 1848
- Builder: F.N. Jones, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 172 ft 8 in (52.6 m); Beam: 25 ft 8 in (7.82 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft 10 in (3.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 462 91/95 tons
- Location: Sleeping Bear Point, Michigan
- Original Owners: Asa Hart et al, Buffalo, New York
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The General Taylor was a wooden propeller-driven steamship, representing a significant advancement in maritime technology during its time.
Description
Launched in 1848, the General Taylor was built for service in the grain trade between Buffalo, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. It was one of the earlier propeller-driven vessels on the Great Lakes, offering greater efficiency and power compared to traditional paddle steamers.
History
Throughout its operational history, the General Taylor faced numerous challenges, including collisions, groundings, and mechanical failures. It was heavily damaged during the Chicago flood in March 1849 and operated various routes, including service between Buffalo, Beaver Island, and Chicago. The vessel was chartered by the Sault Ste. Marie Canal Company in 1853 and suffered several incidents, including collisions and a damaged boiler, leading to extensive repairs.
Significant Incidents
- 1849 (March): Heavily damaged during the Chicago flood.
- 1850: Operated routes between Buffalo, Beaver Island, and Chicago.
- 1853 (August): Chartered for service between Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie.
- 1854 (April 5): Ran aground near Dunkirk, New York, but was freed after lightering.
- 1856 (June): Collided with the schooner Hubbard on Lake Erie, requiring towing for repairs.
- 1857 (September): Suffered a damaged boiler and was towed to Detroit.
- 1858 (November): Collided with the brig Concord, sustaining heavy damage.
- 1860 (November): Damaged during a gale off Tawas, Michigan, and towed to safety.
Final Disposition
The General Taylor was wrecked on October 18, 1862, at Sleeping Bear Point, Michigan, during a severe storm on Lake Michigan. The vessel was driven ashore and was wrecked beyond salvage, but no loss of life was reported.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the General Taylor remains undocumented and may be a target for maritime archaeologists or divers seeking to locate early propeller-driven steamships.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”general-taylor-1848″ title=”References & Links”]
The General Taylor’s storied career on the Great Lakes reflects the challenges of early navigation and the resilience of its crew. As a pioneering vessel of the propeller-driven era, its loss in 1862 highlights the dangers faced by mariners of the time. Further research and potential discovery of its wreck would provide valuable insights into 19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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