Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Middlesex
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steambarge
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: S. Langell, St. Clair, Michigan
- Dimensions: 186 ft × 33 ft × 12 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 568 gross tons
- Location: Pictured Rocks area near Piquamery Point, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 91307
- Original Owners: David Whitney Jr.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A steambarge constructed to haul bulk lumber cargo, typically as part of a tow with other barges along Lake Superior’s shoreline.
Description
At approximately 186 ft × 33 ft × 12 ft and 568 gross tons, the Middlesex was a large wooden propeller steambarge designed for heavy regional freight such as lumber, especially fitted for loading at commercial timber docks.
History
Built in 1880, owned by Detroit interests (David Whitney Jr.), the Middlesex arrived at Hebard & Thurber’s dock—likely alongside her barge Melbourne—to unload lumber on 18 November 1881. A sudden cabin fire erupted, and a gale prevented firefighting or scuttling measures. The Middlesex burned to a total loss, drifted ashore, and broke in two under winter storms. The financial loss was estimated around $50,000.
Significant Incidents
- Cabin fire during unloading operations on 18 November 1881.
- Gale conditions hindered firefighting efforts.
- Vessel drifted ashore and broke in two due to winter storms.
Final Disposition
The hull was later recovered and converted into a schooner-barge under the same name in Algonac, Michigan, lasting until 1929. In 1918, it was sold to Canadian owners and renamed Woodlands (Canadian Registry #138504).
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was recovered soon after and thus was not left as a submerged wrecksite. The remains were repurposed, so no wreck lies in situ.
Resources & Links
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The Middlesex showcases the industrial mobility of Great Lakes timber transport and the risks of dockside operations. A cabin fire at loading, exacerbated by gale conditions, destroyed the vessel—but its hull was repurposed, exemplifying resourceful ship salvage in the late 19th century. Her lifecycle—from steambarge to schooner-barge under a new name—traces a full arc of vessel adaptation rather than abandonment.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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