Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Genesee Chief
- Type: Barge
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: 140 ft (42.7 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 13 ft (4 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron
- Official Number: Not Available
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Genesee Chief began its service as a propeller-driven cargo vessel but was later converted into a barge, likely to extend its operational lifespan as newer, more advanced ships replaced older ones in the fleet.
Description
Built in 1846, the Genesee Chief was an early wooden-hulled vessel designed for cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. As propeller-driven ships grew in popularity during this period, the vessel represented a step forward in maritime technology. However, by the time of its conversion to a barge, it was an aging relic of a previous era, relegated to being towed by newer steamers.
In 1891, the Genesee Chief sank in Lake Huron, near the Straits of Mackinac, a key shipping route connecting Lakes Huron and Michigan. The cause of the sinking is not well-documented, though it may have been due to adverse weather or structural failure given the vessel’s age.
History
The wreck lies in 10 ft (3 m) of water, making it one of the more accessible shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. Only the bottom of the ship, including the keel and some parts of the sides, remain visible. The wreck is largely covered by sand and seaweed, a testament to over a century of environmental exposure.
Significant Incidents
The Genesee Chief is one of the shipwrecks cataloged within the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, a region dedicated to protecting and interpreting historic shipwrecks. The shallow and scattered remains have been mapped and documented by preservation efforts.
Final Disposition
Due to its shallow depth and minimal remaining structure, the site is ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers. The sandy bottom and overgrowth of seaweed can obscure some parts of the wreck, so visibility may vary depending on conditions. Visitors are encouraged to respect the site’s historical value and avoid disturbing the fragile remains.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is largely covered by sand and seaweed, reflecting over a century of environmental exposure.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”genesse-chief-1846″ title=”References & Links”]
For those interested in maritime history and shipwrecks, the Genesee Chief offers a glimpse into the past and is a testament to the evolution of shipping on the Great Lakes.
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.
Identification & Site Information:
- Name(s): Genesee Chief
- Registry: United States
- Official Number: Not Available
- Vessel Type: Originally a Propeller, later converted to a barge
- Year Built: 1846
- Year Sank: 1891
- Hull Material: Wood
- Engines: None (converted to barge and powered externally)
- Dimensions:
- Length: 140 ft (42.7 m)
- Width: 26 ft (7.9 m)
- Depth: 13 ft (4 m)
Vessel Type
The Genesee Chief began its service as a propeller-driven cargo vessel but was later converted into a barge, likely to extend its operational lifespan as newer, more advanced ships replaced older ones in the fleet.
Description
Built in 1846, the Genesee Chief was an early wooden-hulled vessel designed for cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. As propeller-driven ships grew in popularity during this period, the vessel represented a step forward in maritime technology. However, by the time of its conversion to a barge, it was an aging relic of a previous era, relegated to being towed by newer steamers.
In 1891, the Genesee Chief sank in Lake Huron, near the Straits of Mackinac, a key shipping route connecting Lakes Huron and Michigan. The cause of the sinking is not well-documented, though it may have been due to adverse weather or structural failure given the vessel’s age.
Final Dispositions
The wreck lies in 10 ft (3 m) of water, making it one of the more accessible shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. Only the bottom of the ship, including the keel and some parts of the sides, remain visible. The wreck is largely covered by sand and seaweed, a testament to over a century of environmental exposure.
Located By & Date Found
The Genesee Chief is one of the shipwrecks cataloged within the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, a region dedicated to protecting and interpreting historic shipwrecks. The shallow and scattered remains have been mapped and documented by preservation efforts.
Notmars & Advisories
Due to its shallow depth and minimal remaining structure, the site is ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers. The sandy bottom and overgrowth of seaweed can obscure some parts of the wreck, so visibility may vary depending on conditions. Visitors are encouraged to respect the site’s historical value and avoid disturbing the fragile remains.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Historical Society: Genesee Chief
- Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve
- 3DShipwrecks – Genesse Chief
3D Model Genesse Chief
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Genesee Chief, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Straits of Mackinac, Wooden Barge
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Shipwreck Preserves
Glossary: Keel, Converted Barge, Straits of Mackinac, Shipwreck Preserve
genesse-chief-1846 1891-03-14 07:54:00