George W. Reynolds US 10829

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: George W. Reynolds
• Type: Steamer (Sidewheel)
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: Hoosack
• Dimensions: Length: 111.7 ft (34.05 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.83 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 135 or 171 tons (readmeasured to 124.11 gross tons in 1865)
• Location: Mason’s Mill Dock, Bay City, Michigan
• Official Number: 10829
• Original Owners: George W. Reynolds, Alexander English, A. English & D. Cole
• Number of Masts: 0 (engine-powered only)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The GEORGE W. REYNOLDS was a wooden-hulled, sidewheel steamer, primarily used for regional passenger and cargo transportation along key waterways such as the Maumee River, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron. This vessel typified the era’s reliance on sidewheel steamers for short-haul routes, ferry services, and light freight work.

Description

Launched in 1864 at Maumee City, Ohio, the GEORGE W. REYNOLDS entered service during a transformative period in Great Lakes maritime history, as steam navigation was becoming more prevalent in both commercial and passenger operations. The vessel was likely named after its first owner, George W. Reynolds, who was based in Toledo, Ohio.

History

The GEORGE W. REYNOLDS had a notable service history, including:

• 1864: Entered service, initially running routes between Perrysburg, Maumee, and Toledo, Ohio.
• 1865: Underwent a tonnage remeasurement to 124.11 gross tons, reflecting modifications or standard regulatory updates.
• 1866: Suffered a fire but was subsequently rebuilt, indicating significant damage but strong economic incentives to restore the vessel.
• 1866 (May): Sold to Alexander English of East Saginaw, Michigan, marking the vessel’s shift to service routes between East Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan.
• 1867: Experienced a major engine failure near Wyandotte, Michigan, disrupting operations until repairs were made.
• 1868 (June): Co-owned by A. English & D. Cole, suggesting a partnership likely linked to lumber or shipping interests in the Saginaw Bay region.
• 1869: Operated routes between Detroit, Michigan, and Malden, Ontario, expanding its service to cross-border routes.
• 1870 (June): Laid up in Saginaw, likely due to declining demand or mechanical issues.
• 1872: Rebuilt again prior to her final loss, a testament to her owners’ efforts to maintain profitability despite recurring issues.

Significant Incidents

Significant incidents in the history of the GEORGE W. REYNOLDS include:

• Fire in 1866: Resulted in a major rebuild.
• Major engine failure in 1867: Caused operational disruptions.
• Final loss on November 26 or 27, 1872: The vessel caught fire while laid up for the winter.

Final Disposition

While laid up for the winter at Mason’s Mill Dock in Bay City, Michigan, the GEORGE W. REYNOLDS caught fire on November 26 or 27, 1872. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, but such incidents were common due to the flammable materials onboard wooden steamers. The fire rapidly consumed the vessel, leading to her being declared a total loss. Although the vessel was officially abandoned following the fire, the documentation associated with the ship was not formally surrendered until November 2, 1877.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no confirmed reports of the GEORGE W. REYNOLDS wreck being located. Given that the vessel burned at dock, any remnants would likely have been cleared to maintain the area’s navigability, especially considering the active shipping routes in Bay City during the late 19th century.

Potential Hazards: None currently reported. However, the location would have posed hazards in the immediate aftermath of the fire until debris was cleared.

Resources & Links

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The GEORGE W. REYNOLDS, launched in 1864, served for nearly a decade as a sidewheel steamer on the Great Lakes, navigating critical routes between Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario. Despite enduring fires, engine failures, and multiple rebuilds, the vessel remained operational until her final destruction in 1872 while docked in Bay City, Michigan. Her legacy reflects the rugged, often perilous nature of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, where vessels were constantly repurposed, repaired, and adapted to meet the demands of a rapidly industrializing region.