Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George T. Burroughs
- Type: Steam Barge (converted to a sandsucker in 1901)
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Davis & Brondage
- Dimensions: Length: 110 ft (33 m); Beam: 24.2 ft (7.4 m); Depth of hold: 8.7 ft (2.6 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 180 tons (gross), 111 tons (net)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 10 m / 35 ft
- Location: St. Clair River Flats, near Trautz’s dock, Lake St. Clair
- Original Owners: R.A. Davis, Louis Brondage, Standard Contracting Company, Albert H. Petrie, D.W. Chipman, L.S. Raesser
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Steam Barge (converted to a sandsucker in 1901)
Description
The George T. Burroughs was a wooden steam barge built in 1881 by Davis & Brondage in Chicago, Illinois. It was powered by a 375-horsepower high-pressure steam engine with one cylinder, manufactured in Glasgow, and a 90-pound firebox boiler built by R. Davis in Milwaukee. The vessel featured a single propeller and was designed for efficient freight transport along Great Lakes trade routes.
History
Construction and Early Operations: Built in 1881 for R.A. Davis and Louis Brondage of Chicago. Operated initially between Chicago and Muskegon, Michigan, carrying general cargo.
Fire and Rebuild: In July 1881, the vessel caught fire near Grosse Pointe, Evanston, Illinois, burning to the water’s edge. The hull was towed to Milwaukee for rebuilding, increasing the gross tonnage to 180 tons. The rebuilt vessel resumed operations under new ownership, including Albert H. Petrie, D.W. Chipman, and L.S. Raesser.
Later Service: By 1901, under the ownership of Standard Contracting Company of Cleveland, the vessel was converted into a sandsucker, specialized for transporting gravel and other dredged materials.
Final Incident: On May 31, 1905, the George T. Burroughs sank following a collision with the steamer C.F. Bielman near Trautz’s dock in the St. Clair Flats, Lake St. Clair. The cargo at the time was gravel, and no casualties were reported.
Significant Incidents
- Fire (July 1881): Burned to the waterline near Grosse Pointe. Crew of 11 saved by the tug A.B. Ward. Vessel rebuilt and returned to service.
- Collision and Sinking (May 31, 1905): Collided with C.F. Bielman, leading to its final sinking in the St. Clair Flats.
Final Disposition
Following the sinking, the engine and machinery were salvaged. The remaining hull was dynamited, as it posed a hazard to navigation. Official documentation for the vessel was surrendered on June 22, 1905, marking the official end of its service.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site primarily consists of scattered debris due to the dynamiting of the hull. Located in shallow water at 10 meters (35 feet), it is suitable for recreational diving. However, visibility and current conditions in the St. Clair River may vary.
Resources & Links
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The George T. Burroughs illustrates the evolution of Great Lakes steam barges, from general cargo carriers to specialized sandsuckers. Its history is marked by notable incidents, including fire and collision, reflecting the challenges of 19th- and early 20th-century maritime operations. The vessel’s demise in the St. Clair Flats adds to the rich narrative of shipwrecks in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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