Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Jarvis Lord
- Type: Wooden-hulled steam-powered lake freighter
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: Morley & Hill shipyard, Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: 178.3 ft (54.3 m) X 32.6 ft (9.9 m); Depth of hold: 18 ft (5.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 770.97
- Depth at Wreck Site: 67 m / 220 ft
- Location: Approximately 2.5 miles west of Pyramid Point, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: US 75499
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled steam-powered lake freighter
Description
The Jarvis Lord was a wooden-hulled steam-powered lake freighter constructed in 1872 by the Morley & Hill shipyard in Marine City, Michigan. Designed as one of the first purpose-built bulk freighters for the Great Lakes, she was intended to transport iron ore and coal. At the time of her construction, she was the largest double-decked steamship built in Marine City. The vessel was powered by a 500 hp single-cylinder low-pressure steam engine, with steam provided by a coal-burning tubular boiler. She was propelled by a single fixed-pitch propeller.
History
The Jarvis Lord was launched on November 23, 1872, and entered service on May 19, 1873. She was primarily used for transporting iron ore and coal across the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- On August 17 or 18, 1885, while en route from St. Ignace, Michigan, to Chicago, Illinois, carrying a cargo of iron ore, the Jarvis Lord sprang a leak in the Manitou Passage, Lake Michigan.
- Captain Richard Neville ordered the pumps activated and attempted to beach the vessel near Pyramid Point.
- The rising water extinguished the boiler’s fire, rendering the pumps inoperative.
- The crew of 20 abandoned ship and safely reached Glen Haven, Michigan, about an hour later.
- The vessel sank stern first, with her deck breaking away from the hull.
Final Disposition
On August 17 or 18, 1885, the Jarvis Lord sank in Lake Michigan after taking on water. The crew abandoned ship and reached safety, while the vessel was lost.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Jarvis Lord was discovered on June 24, 2020, by shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson and his team. The wreck rests in 220 feet (67 m) of water, featuring a partially intact midsection, with the bow and stern split open. Notable features include the detached boiler and helm, as well as a debris field and a pile of iron ore.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”jarvis-lord-us-75499″ title=”References & Links”]
The Jarvis Lord exemplifies the challenges faced by early Great Lakes freighters. Her sinking underscores the perils of maritime navigation in the 19th century. The 2020 discovery of her wreck provides valuable insights into ship construction and the conditions leading to her demise.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Jarvis Lord
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: US 75499
- Date Built and Launched: Launched on November 23, 1872; entered service May 19, 1873
- Measurements:
- Length: 178.3 ft (54.3 m)
- Beam: 32.6 ft (9.9 m)
- Depth: 18 ft (5.5 m)
- Gross Register Tonnage: 770.97
- Net Register Tonnage: 641.06
- Date Lost: August 17 or 18, 1885
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled steam-powered lake freighter
Description
The Jarvis Lord was a wooden-hulled steam-powered lake freighter constructed in 1872 by the Morley & Hill shipyard in Marine City, Michigan. Designed as one of the first purpose-built bulk freighters for the Great Lakes, she was intended to transport iron ore and coal. At the time of her construction, she was the largest double-decked steamship built in Marine City. The vessel was powered by a 500 hp single-cylinder low-pressure steam engine, with steam provided by a coal-burning tubular boiler. She was propelled by a single fixed-pitch propeller.(Wikipedia)
Final Disposition
On August 17 or 18, 1885, while en route from St. Ignace, Michigan, to Chicago, Illinois, carrying a cargo of iron ore, the Jarvis Lord sprang a leak in the Manitou Passage, Lake Michigan. Captain Richard Neville ordered the pumps activated and attempted to beach the vessel near Pyramid Point. However, the rising water extinguished the boiler’s fire, rendering the pumps inoperative. The crew of 20 abandoned ship and safely reached Glen Haven, Michigan, about an hour later. The vessel sank stern first, with her deck breaking away from the hull.(Wikipedia)
Located By & Date Found
The wreck of the Jarvis Lord was discovered on June 24, 2020, by shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson and his team. The wreck rests in 220 feet (67 m) of water, approximately 2.5 miles (4.0 km) west of Pyramid Point. The site features a partially intact midsection, with the bow and stern split open. Notable features include the detached boiler and helm, as well as a debris field and a pile of iron ore.(Wikipedia)
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the Jarvis Lord documented in the accessible sources.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Jarvis Lord exemplifies the challenges faced by early Great Lakes freighters. Her sinking underscores the perils of maritime navigation in the 19th century. The 2020 discovery of her wreck provides valuable insights into ship construction and the conditions leading to her demise.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Jarvis Lord shipwreck, 1885 Lake Michigan, Great Lakes freighter, iron ore cargo, Manitou Passage
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, 19th Century Shipping
- Glossary Terms: Lake freighter, Shipwreck, Manitou Passage, Pyramid Point