Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hercules
- Type: Freight Propeller Vessel (later converted to a barge)
- Year Built: 1843
- Builder: Carrick & Bidwell
- Dimensions: Length: 136 ft 3 in (41.5 m); Width: 24 ft 10 in (7.6 m); Depth: 8 ft 1 in (2.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 256 39/95 tons (old measurement)
- Location: St. Clair River, near Algonac, Michigan
- Original Owners: Robert Hollister, Buffalo, New York
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally constructed as one of the first all-freight propeller vessels on the Great Lakes, the Hercules played a pioneering role in commercial shipping. It was later rebuilt as a barge in 1867, reflecting the evolving demands of maritime trade and the vessel’s declining operational efficiency as a powered ship.
Description
The Hercules was launched in 1843 in Buffalo, New York, as a wooden-hulled propeller vessel designed for freight. It utilized innovative screw propulsion technology, which, at the time, was a relatively new advancement on the Great Lakes. Powered by a high-pressure Ericsson patent engine built at Auburn Prison, New York, the ship was notable for its engineering and capacity to carry 2,200 barrels of cargo.
Throughout its long service life, the Hercules operated on various trade routes, including voyages between Buffalo, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. The vessel underwent multiple ownership changes and faced various incidents, including collisions and subsequent repairs in Detroit and Algonac, Michigan.
In 1867, the vessel was rebuilt as a barge in Algonac, reflecting the diminishing viability of its propulsion system. Rebuilt under the supervision of Francis Martin, the Hercules continued operations as a freight barge, extending its service life by nearly two more decades.
History
On June 6, 1883, the Hercules sank following a collision with the propeller Clarion in the St. Clair River, near Algonac, Michigan. The ship sank during an upbound journey, marking the end of its 40-year career on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- Multiple ownership changes throughout its service life.
- Collisions and repairs in Detroit and Algonac, Michigan.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Hercules has not been extensively surveyed or documented, but its final resting place in the busy waters of the St. Clair River makes it a potentially significant site for maritime historians.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Hercules has not been extensively surveyed or documented, but its final resting place in the busy waters of the St. Clair River makes it a potentially significant site for maritime historians.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hercules-1843″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring that the legacy of the Hercules is preserved for future generations.
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.
Identification & Site Information:
- Name(s): Hercules
- Registry: United States
- Original Owner: Robert Hollister, Buffalo, New York
- Vessel Type: Freight Propeller Vessel (later converted to a barge in 1867)
- Builder: Carrick & Bidwell
- Master Carpenter: J.W. Banta
- Place Built: Buffalo, New York
- Year Built: 1843
- Year Sank: 1883
- Hull Material: Wood
- Engine: High-pressure Ericsson patent engine with two cylinders, 14 + 14 x 28 inches, providing 50 horsepower
- Propulsion: Screw propulsion with twin 6 ft 4 in propellers
- Dimensions (original):
- Length: 136 ft 3 in (41.5 m)
- Width: 24 ft 10 in (7.6 m)
- Depth: 8 ft 1 in (2.5 m)
- Tonnage: 256 39/95 tons (old measurement)
- Cargo Capacity: 2,200 barrels
- Dimensions (as a barge):
- Length: 139 ft (42.4 m)
- Width: 25 ft (7.6 m)
- Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 195.09
Vessel Type
Originally constructed as one of the first all-freight propeller vessels on the Great Lakes, the Hercules played a pioneering role in commercial shipping. It was later rebuilt as a barge in 1867, reflecting the evolving demands of maritime trade and the vessel’s declining operational efficiency as a powered ship.
Description
The Hercules was launched in 1843 in Buffalo, New York, as a wooden-hulled propeller vessel designed for freight. It utilized innovative screw propulsion technology, which, at the time, was a relatively new advancement on the Great Lakes. Powered by a high-pressure Ericsson patent engine built at Auburn Prison, New York, the ship was notable for its engineering and capacity to carry 2,200 barrels of cargo.
Throughout its long service life, the Hercules operated on various trade routes, including voyages between Buffalo, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. The vessel underwent multiple ownership changes and faced various incidents, including collisions and subsequent repairs in Detroit and Algonac, Michigan.
In 1867, the vessel was rebuilt as a barge in Algonac, reflecting the diminishing viability of its propulsion system. Rebuilt under the supervision of Francis Martin, the Hercules continued operations as a freight barge, extending its service life by nearly two more decades.
Final Dispositions
On June 6, 1883, the Hercules sank following a collision with the propeller Clarion in the St. Clair River, near Algonac, Michigan. The ship sank during an upbound journey, marking the end of its 40-year career on the Great Lakes.
Wreck Site Information
• Location: St. Clair River, near Algonac, Michigan
• Depth: Not documented
• Current Condition: The wreck of the Hercules has not been extensively surveyed or documented, but its final resting place in the busy waters of the St. Clair River makes it a potentially significant site for maritime historians.
Resources & Links
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Hercules, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Freight Propeller, St. Clair River Shipwrecks
Categories: Maritime History, Freight Propulsion, Conversion to Barge
Glossary: Screw Propulsion, High-Pressure Engine, Ericsson Patent, Gross Tonnage
hercules-1843 1883-06-06 07:48:00