Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Hercules (1843)

Explore the wreck of the Hercules, a pioneering freight vessel that sank in 1883 in the St. Clair River, offering a glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history.

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

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

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.