Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James J. Hill
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1900
- Builder: American Ship Building Co., Lorain, OH
- Dimensions: 478 ft (145.1 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 6,025 GRT / 4,578 NRT
- Location: Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie, near Gordon Park breakwall
- Official Number: US 77409
- Original Owners: Pittsburgh Steamship Co. (U.S. Steel subsidiary)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled bulk freighter with arch framing, transverse support, side tanks, 3 watertight bulkheads, and a double bottom.
Description
Description
The James J. Hill was launched on January 24, 1900, and was a significant vessel in the U.S. Steel fleet. After its operational life, it was scuttled in 1962 to serve as a breakwater in Cleveland Harbor.
History
History
- 1901: Acquired by Pittsburgh Steamship Co. (U.S. Steel subsidiary), managed out of Cleveland.
- 1922: Underwent reconstruction and remeasuring, maintaining original dimensions (4,578 NRT).
- 1926: Boilers replaced; coal-fired operation continued.
- 1952: Transferred to City of Cleveland as part of decommissioning fleet preparations with sister ship William Edenborn.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1962: Scuttled intentionally as a breakwater at Gordon Park, Cleveland Harbor, to serve as shoreline protection alongside the William Edenborn.
- 1963: Vessel officially sunk; hulk remains at the harbor entrance on Lake Erie.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The James J. Hill was scuttled in 1962 and remains submerged, utilized as a breakwater. Its condition is affected by river dredging and shoreline fill.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The submerged hull is utilized as a breakwater, with pieces likely buried under river dredging or shoreline fill. Documentation includes photographic archives confirming its sinking and public use.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”james-j-hill-us-77409″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
Launched in 1900, the James J. Hill was a powerful steel bulk carrier in U.S. Steel’s fleet, later transitioning into a fixed breakwater installation in Cleveland Harbor in 1962. Her remnants remain submerged, forming a structural barrier while offering an intriguing subject for harbor-based maritime archaeology and industrial heritage interpretation.
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.
Construction & Specifications
- Built: Launched January 24, 1900, by American Ship Building Co., Lorain, OH (Hull #38) (greatlakesvesselhistory.com)
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk freighter with arch framing, transverse support, side tanks, 3 watertight bulkheads, double bottom
- Dimensions: 478′ length × 52′ beam × 30′ depth
- Tonnage: 6,025 GRT / 4,578 NRT (post-1922 rebuild)
- Propulsion: Quadruple-expansion engine (16½″, 25⅛″, 38⅝″, 60″ × 40″ stroke) delivering 1,300 hp; powered by two 12′ × 11′ Babcock & Wilcox water-tube boilers at 250 psi
Operational History
- 1901: Acquired by Pittsburgh Steamship Co. (U.S. Steel subsidiary), managed out of Cleveland
- 1922: Underwent reconstruction and remeasuring, maintaining original dimensions (4,578 NRT)
- 1926: Boilers replaced; coal-fired operation continued
- 1952: Transferred to City of Cleveland as part of decommissioning fleet preparations with sister ship William Edenborn (Wikipedia, shiphotos.com)
Final Disposition
- 1962: Scuttled intentionally as a breakwater at Gordon Park, Cleveland Harbor, to serve as shoreline protection alongside the William Edenborn (shiphotos.com)
- 1963: Vessel officially sunk; hulk remains at the harbor entrance on Lake Erie
Wreck Site & Condition
- Location: Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie, near Gordon Park breakwall
- Condition: Submerged hull utilized as breakwater; pieces likely buried under river dredging or shoreline fill (Facebook)
- Documentation: Photographic archive images confirm sinking and public use (shiphotos.com)
Significance
- Represented steel-era bulk freighter innovation—with quadruple-expansion power and robust hull design
- Played major role in U.S. Steel shipping operations throughout the early to mid-20th century
- Its finale as a breakwater exemplifies the recycling of industrial maritime assets for public infrastructure
Research & Survey Opportunities
- Archival: Cleveland city records on 1962 scuttling permits, dredge fill logs, and harbor engineering plans
- Physical Survey: Side-scan sonar of Gordon Park breakwater area may reveal extant hull sections
- Cultural Use: Examine municipal documents and newspapers for public reaction and demolition plans
Summary
Launched in 1900, the James J. Hill was a powerful steel bulk carrier in U.S. Steel’s fleet, later transitioning into a fixed breakwater installation in Cleveland Harbor in 1962. Her remnants remain submerged, forming a structural barrier while offering an intriguing subject for harbor-based maritime archaeology and industrial heritage interpretation.
james-j-hill-us-77409 1962-01-24 16:36:00