Grace Williams – Lake Michigan Barge Shipwreck (1896)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Grace Williams
• Type: Steambarge
• Year Built: 1885
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 48 ft (14.63 m); Width: 12 ft (3.66 m); Depth: 5 ft (1.52 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 62.18 m / 204 ft
• Location: Lake Michigan, Michigan
• Coordinates: 45° 01.973′ N, 086° 03.096′ W
• Official Number: 085882

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Grace Williams was a small wooden steambarge, designed to carry cargo and supplies while equipped with a steam engine for propulsion. Steambarges like the Grace Williams were common on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, offering versatility in shallow or confined waters.

Description

The wreck of the Grace Williams is remarkably intact for its age and depth, offering a well-preserved snapshot of 19th-century steambarge design and functionality:

• Structural Features:
• Cabins: Somewhat intact, though likely damaged during its sinking or subsequent submersion.
• Mast and Boom: Still visible, reflecting the vessel’s auxiliary sailing capabilities.
• Machinery and Equipment:
• Engine and Boiler: The single expansion steam engine and boiler remain in place.
• Propeller and Rudder: Both are intact and positioned as they would have been during operation.
• Ship’s Wheel: Still present, offering a tangible link to the vessel’s navigation systems.
• Additional Features:
• Anchor: Intact and visible at the wreck site.

History

In 1896, the Grace Williams sank in Lake Michigan under unknown circumstances. Its small size and intact structure make it a valuable example of a steambarge, offering insights into the operations of such vessels during the late 19th century.

Significant Incidents

• 1896: The Grace Williams sank in Lake Michigan under unknown circumstances.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies at a significant depth of 204 ft (62.18 m), making it accessible only to advanced technical divers with experience in deep wreck exploration. The site is protected as part of Michigan’s underwater heritage. Divers are encouraged to observe respectfully and avoid disturbing or removing artifacts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in a well-preserved state, with many structural details visible due to the cold and clear waters of Lake Michigan, which often provide good visibility at this depth.

Resources & Links

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The Grace Williams offers a rare and well-preserved example of a late 19th-century steambarge, integral to the industrial and commercial development of the Great Lakes region. Its intact engine, boiler, and navigation equipment, along with its relatively small size, make it a unique and educational site for historians and divers alike.