Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

George M. Cox (Ottawa, Puritan)

Explore the wreck of the George M. Cox, a steel-hulled vessel that ran aground in 1933, offering divers a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: George M. Cox (formerly Puritan, Ottawa)
  • Type: Steel-Hulled Propeller Ship
  • Year Built: 1901
  • Builder: Craig Ship Building Company, Toledo, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Length: 300 ft (91.44 m); Beam: 40.5 ft (12.34 m); Depth of hold: 21.9 ft (6.68 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: Gross: 1762 tons; Net: 1267 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
  • Location: Rock of Ages Reef, near Rock of Ages Lighthouse
  • Original Owners: Chicago Steamship Company, Chicago, Racine & Milwaukee Line, Michigan Transit Company, Isle Royale Transit Company

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Puritan was a steel-hulled propeller-driven vessel with three decks and four watertight bulkheads, designed for passenger and cargo transport. Initially constructed as Ottawa, it was later outfitted with 60 staterooms and modernized to operate as both a transport and luxury cruise ship. The ship served various routes on the Great Lakes and was known for its robust design, accommodating both practical utility and passenger comfort.

Description

The wreck of the George M. Cox lies at a depth ranging from 40 to 100 feet, making it accessible to divers of varying experience levels. The site contains remnants of the vessel’s machinery, equipment, propeller, and steel plates, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century shipbuilding and maritime history. The wreck’s proximity to the Rock of Ages Lighthouse adds to its historical and diving appeal.

History

Built in 1901 by the Craig Ship Building Company, the vessel was initially intended to serve as Ottawa for the Chicago Steamship Company but was sold before completion. As Puritan, it operated on key routes between Chicago, Michigan ports, and the Upper Peninsula.

  • 1902: Addition of 60 staterooms, enhancing passenger accommodations.
  • 1905: Reboilered for better efficiency, followed by lengthening in 1908, increasing its capacity and tonnage.

During World War I, the Puritan was transferred to the U.S. Navy in April 1918 but was never deployed as a troop transport. After the war, it returned to commercial service with various owners, including the Chicago, Racine & Milwaukee Line and Michigan Transit Company. During the 1920s, it was used for overnight cruises, offering a mix of transportation and leisure.

Challenges & Ownership Changes (1927–1933) Struggling during the Great Depression, the Puritan became idle in 1931. In May 1933, it was sold to the Isle Royale Transit Company, remodeled, and renamed George M. Cox, intended for a new route to Lake Superior.

Significant Incidents

On its maiden voyage as the George M. Cox, the vessel ran aground on Rock of Ages Reef near Isle Royale. Despite salvage attempts, the ship broke apart over time, its remains scattered by weather and rough waters.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the George M. Cox serves as both a dive attraction and a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site today contains remnants of the vessel’s machinery, equipment, propeller, and steel plates, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century shipbuilding and maritime history.

Resources & Links

The story of the Puritan/George M. Cox emphasizes the dynamic history of Great Lakes shipping, reflecting advancements in vessel design and the economic shifts impacting maritime trade. From its early days as a competitive passenger ship to its later role as a luxury cruise vessel and eventual grounding, the ship’s journey is marked by innovation and resilience.