H. Houghten – Lake St. Clair Freighter Shipwreck (1926)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: H. Houghten
• Type: Steam Barge
• Year Built: 1889
• Builder: Hull #59
• Dimensions: 126 ft (40 m); Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m); Depth of hold: 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 210; Net Tonnage: 151
• Depth at Wreck Site: 6 m / 20 ft
• Location: Shybona Channel, Lake St. Clair, near Harper’s Point, 7 miles below Algonac, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The H. Houghten was a wooden steam barge equipped with a single deck and a screw propulsion system. Its for-and-aft compound engine and firebox boiler powered the vessel, which was well-suited for transporting bulk cargo such as lumber, coal, sand, and gravel. With notable durability and adaptability, the vessel underwent significant modifications, including its conversion into a sand sucker in 1920.

Description

Built in 1889 by J.B. Wilson Iron Works, the H. Houghten was commissioned by Henry Houghten and associates from Detroit, Michigan. The vessel initially served as a cargo transporter, moving essential goods across the Great Lakes.

History

The H. Houghten underwent several modifications during its service. In 1891, the pilothouse was relocated to the forecastle. By 1920, it was rebuilt and converted into a sand sucker with a crane added to the bow. Throughout its career, the vessel towed other ships, including the Atlantis, and barges such as the Dobbie and Dobbins, supporting Great Lakes commerce.

Significant Incidents

The H. Houghten’s operational history included numerous incidents:

• 1902: Sank after a collision at the south end of Lake St. Clair while carrying stone.
• 1916: Capsized and filled with water at Mullen Coal Dock in Sandwich (Windsor), Ontario.
• Despite these setbacks, it was salvaged and returned to service multiple times, reflecting its resilience and importance.

Final Disposition

On November 20, 1926, the H. Houghten was destroyed by fire in the Shybona Channel near Harper’s Point, Lake St. Clair. The fire broke out in the early morning hours, engulfing the vessel and burning it to the waterline. By December 30, 1926, its documentation was formally surrendered in Port Huron, Michigan, marking the end of its maritime career.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the H. Houghten lie in the Shybona Channel of Lake St. Clair at a depth of approximately 20 feet (6 meters). The wreck was partially salvaged, and its crane and other features were removed during its final years. The wreck, along with another nearby vessel, remains in the Snybora Channel of Lake St. Clair. Though salvaged and degraded, its remains may still be accessible to divers and researchers. The relatively shallow depth makes it a feasible site for underwater exploration.

Resources & Links

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The H. Houghten exemplifies the versatility and resilience of Great Lakes vessels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From transporting essential materials to adapting for new roles as a sand sucker, its history reflects the dynamic nature of maritime commerce. Its final resting place in Lake St. Clair remains a testament to the challenges faced by these vessels and their crews.