John N. Glidden (1879)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: John N. Glidden
• Type: Wooden propeller-driven bulk freight vessel
• Year Built: 1879
• Builder: Radcliffe & Langell, Cleveland, OH
• Dimensions: ~222 ft length (exact beam/draft unspecified)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Off Harsen’s Island at the mouth of St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden Propeller Bulk-Freighter

Description

The John N. Glidden was a wooden propeller-driven bulk freight vessel built in 1879. It measured approximately 222 feet in length and was primarily used for transporting iron ore.

History

The vessel was constructed by Radcliffe & Langell in Cleveland, Ohio. It served in the Great Lakes region, navigating the busy waterways and contributing to the iron ore trade.

Significant Incidents

• The Glidden was rammed by the steel barge Magna in dense fog near Harsen’s Island.
• The impact severed her midsection; she sank in approximately 16 minutes.
• The vessel was considered a hazard—struck by at least six other boats following the incident—and ultimately dynamited and removed in 1904 under navigational safety efforts.

Final Disposition

Declared total loss; no hull salvage conducted. The crew escaped without injury thanks to calm evacuations in low visibility. The wreck was physically cleared via explosives due to its threat to channel traffic.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the John N. Glidden no longer exists as it was removed in 1904. The incident highlights the dangers of navigation in foggy conditions and the evolving safety protocols in the St. Clair River.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the John N. Glidden serves as a reminder of the risks faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Its removal marked a significant step in improving navigational safety in the region.