Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Josie Davidson
- Type: excursion steamer/tug
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Capt. R. A. Davis, Chicago, IL
- Dimensions: Length 59 ft (18 m); Beam 16 ft; Depth of hold 5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 28 GRT / 20 NRT
- Location: Duluth–Superior Harbor
- Official Number: 76501
- Original Owners: Based out of West Superior, WI; operated excursions out of Superior in 1898
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Dual-use vessel; originally a two-deck screw-driven excursion steamer, later used as a tug.
Description
The Josie Davidson was launched as a charming excursion steamer, primarily used for passenger outings from Superior, WI starting in June 1898. It was later adapted for auxiliary harbor work, possibly serving as a small tug or supply boat, though specifics remain unclear.
History
Built in 1884 by Capt. R. A. Davis in Chicago, IL, the Josie Davidson typifies a small transition-era steamer used for both leisure and light working duties. The vessel was reported to have a registered tonnage of 28 GRT and dimensions of 59 ft in length, 16 ft in beam, and a depth of 5 ft.
Significant Incidents
- On May 5, 1900, while moored in Duluth–Superior Harbor, the Josie Davidson caught fire and burned to a total loss.
- The vessel was reported destroyed with no crew casualties noted in surviving references.
Final Disposition
The Josie Davidson was completely destroyed by fire, reflecting the common risks associated with wooden steam vessels equipped with oil-fired boilers during that era.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is confirmed that the vessel was lost due to fire.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”josie-davidson-us-76501″ title=”References & Links”]
The Josie Davidson serves as a historical reminder of the transition in maritime technology and the inherent dangers faced by wooden vessels in the early 20th century.
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.
(excursion steamer/tug; 1884–1900)
- Official No.: 76501
- Built: 1884 by Capt. R. A. Davis, Chicago, IL
- Type: Dual-use vessel; originally a two‑deck screw-driven excursion steamer, later used as a tug (?)
- Dimensions: Length 59 ft × Beam 16 ft × Depth 5 ft
- Tonnage: 28 GRT / 20 NRT
- Owned: Based out of West Superior, WI; also operated excursions out of Superior in 1898
Final Voyage & Fire (May 5, 1900)
- While moored in Duluth–Superior Harbor, on May 5, 1900, the Josie Davidson caught fire and burned to a total loss.
- The vessel was reported destroyed with no crew casualties noted in surviving references
Operation & Role
- Launched as a charming excursion steamer, she was used for passenger outings from Superior, WI (June 1898).
- Adapted later for auxiliary harbor work, possibly as a small tug or supply boat—though specifics remain unclear.
Historical Context & Significance
- The vessel typifies a small transition-era steamer used for both leisure and light working duties.
- Her destruction by fire in the early 20th century reflects common risks of wooden steam vessels with oil-fired boilers.
Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files “Josie Davidson” entry (Official No. 76501); details build, specs, fire loss with no fatalities, and harbor location.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1884, Capt. R. A. Davis, Chicago |
| Role | Excursion steamer (1898), later harbor work |
| Lost | May 5, 1900, fire in Duluth–Superior Harbor |
| Casualties | None known |
| Size | 59 × 16 × 5 ft; 28 GRT |
| Fate | Burned to total loss |