George W. Morley – Lake Michigan Freighter Shipwreck (1897)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: George W. Morley
• Type: Wooden-hulled bulk freighter
• Year Built: 1888
• Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
• Dimensions: 193 ft (58.8 m); Beam: 34 ft; Depth of hold: 21 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 1,045 gt; 797 nt
• Location: Charity Island, near Evanston, IL
• Official Number: 85990

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled bulk freighter

Description

The George W. Morley was a substantial wooden bulk freighter launched in 1888. It was primarily used for transporting goods across Lake Michigan.

History

Built in 1888 at West Bay City, Michigan, the George W. Morley was registered in the U.S. and operated on Lake Michigan. The vessel was known for its wooden hull and significant cargo capacity.

Significant Incidents

• Event: Caught fire offshore in fog conditions while sailing empty (“light”) from Milwaukee to Chicago.
• Date & Time: Evening or night of December 5, 1897, approximately 100 yards off Greenwood Avenue, Evanston, IL.
• Outcome: Crew abandoned ship; the vessel stranded at Charity Island and burned to the waterline. No lives lost. Her engine was salvaged in October 1898.

Final Disposition

The George W. Morley was ultimately abandoned after the fire, with the hull remaining stranded on Charity Island. The vessel burned to the waterline, and the engine was salvaged nearly a year later.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the George W. Morley is confirmed, but specific details about its current condition and accessibility for divers are not documented.

Resources & Links

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The story of the George W. Morley serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners in the late 19th century, particularly in challenging weather conditions. Further research into this wreck could provide valuable insights into maritime safety and historical navigation practices.