Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: H. P. Smith
- Type: Wooden steam tug
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Lent, Conneaut, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Not documented
- Depth at Wreck Site: 25 ft
- Location: Saginaw River, Michigan, upper ship channel
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden steam tug
Description
The H. P. Smith was a wooden steam tug built in 1864, primarily used for towing timber rafts along the Saginaw River.
History
As a steam-powered tug, the H. P. Smith played a critical role in the booming lumber industry era around Saginaw, primarily towing large rafts of timber along inland waterways. Built during the Civil War era, she represents mid-19th-century steam technology transition into inland and industrial maritime operations.
Significant Incidents
- While towing a timber raft on the Saginaw River, the H. P. Smith caught fire and burned, resulting in a complete loss.
- The hull sank in about 25 ft of water, with only 6 inches of her structure remaining above the riverbed, indicating she burned almost entirely to the waterline, then sank.
- No lives were lost during the incident (en.wikipedia.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, linkstothepast.com).
Final Disposition
The H. P. Smith was lost on May 27, 1872, due to a fire while towing a timber raft. The vessel burned almost entirely to the waterline before sinking in the Saginaw River.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck remains under relatively shallow water, with only a small portion of the structure visible above the riverbed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”h-p-smith-1864″ title=”References & Links”]
The H. P. Smith‘s fiery loss on May 27, 1872, in the Saginaw River underscores the ever-present risk of fire aboard wood-hulled steam vessels, especially under the stress of towing heavy timber rafts. This case highlights the hazardous mix of steam power and wooden craft during Great Lakes lumber-era logistics.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
(wooden steam tug)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: H. P. Smith
- Type: Wooden steam tug
- Built: 1864 in Lent, Conneaut, Ohio
- Official Number / Tonnage: Not documented
- Loss Date: May 27, 1872
- Location: Saginaw River, Michigan, upper ship channel
- Tow Vessel: Actively towing a raft at time of incident
- Casualties: None recorded
Incident & Final Disposition
- While towing a timber raft on the Saginaw River, the H. P. Smith caught fire and burned, resulting in a complete loss.
- The hull sank in about 25 ft of water, with only 6 inches of her structure remaining above the riverbed, indicating she burned almost entirely to the waterline, then sank.
- No lives were lost during the incident (en.wikipedia.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, linkstothepast.com).
Role & Significance
- As a steam-powered tug, the H. P. Smith played a critical role in the booming lumber industry era around Saginaw, primarily towing large rafts of timber along inland waterways.
- Built during the Civil War era, she represents mid‑19th-century steam technology transition into inland and industrial maritime operations.
Research Gaps & Opportunities
- Crew roster: No records exist yet; local newspaper accounts like the Saginaw Courier (May–June 1872) may list crew or fire details.
- Tow situation: Identification of the timber-raft owner or nature of the tow may appear in river traffic records or port logs.
- Aftermath: No documented salvage; possible clearance operations may have been undertaken by local river authorities—Saginaw Harbor Commission archives or state engineering reports could hold procedural notes.
Conclusion
The H. P. Smith‘s fiery loss on May 27, 1872, in the Saginaw River underscores the ever-present risk of fire aboard wood‑hulled steam vessels, especially under the stress of towing heavy timber rafts. Though the wreck remains under relatively shallow water, the vessel was lost entirely. This case highlights the hazardous mix of steam power and wooden craft during Great Lakes lumber-era logistics.
h-p-smith-1864 1872-05-23 01:22:00