Midland City (city Of Midland, America, Maud – Lake Huron Steamer Shipwreck (1955)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Midland City
• Type: Side-Wheel Steamer, later Diesel Propeller
• Year Built: 1871
• Builder: George Thurston, Kingston, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length 149.16 ft (45.5 m); Beam 22.16 ft; Depth of hold 6.33 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 580 gross / 476 registered tons
• Location: Mouth of the Wye River, Midland Bay, Ontario
• Official Number: C100662

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

(Canadian Side-Wheel Steamer, later Diesel Propeller)

Description

Registry: Canada | Official Number: C100662
Builder: George Thurston, Kingston, Ontario
Launched: Constructed in Glasgow, Scotland, shipped in pieces to Kingston; assembled and launched August 1871; registry first issued January 12, 1872.

History

• 1871–1895: Operated under name Maud for passenger and cargo service on Lake Ontario (Picton–Belleville route); powered by a 200 hp compound steam engine driving side paddlewheels (~13 mph speed).
• 1895 Rebuild: Reconfigured and enlarged at Kingston by Robert Davis; rebuilt to 153 ft × 35 ft × 6.5 ft, approx. 553 gross / 287 net tons; renamed America.
• 1899 Rebuild: Another refit recorded slightly different dimensions (153.16 ft × 33.16 ft × 6.33 ft); registered tonnage ~521 gross / 266 net.
• 1921 Renaming: Became City of Midland, later known as Midland City; registry maintained under Canada, Official No. C100662.
• 1933 Rebuild: Converted from side-wheel steamer to diesel-propeller propulsion; dimensions slightly adjusted: 149.16 ft × 22.16 ft × 6.33 ft, ~580 gross / 476 registered tons.

Significant Incidents

• Final Fate: On May 7, 1955, Midland City was intentionally grounded at the mouth of the Wye River in Midland Bay, Ontario. She was set alight and burned to the waterline, then left in place to serve as a breakwater for the Wye Heritage Marina.
• Present Status: The hull remains visible above water as part of the breakwater and is accessible to snorkeling, diving, and visible in satellite imagery; over time parts have been filled and connected to shore, creating a short pier-like form.

Final Disposition

The vessel launched as Maud in 1871 stands out among Great Lakes steamers for her longevity and multiple conversions—from side-wheel steamer to diesel-propeller ferry. Her final conscious burning in 1955 at the Wye River mouth deliberately created a breakwater, preserving her hull as a static heritage relic visible to this day.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible for diving and snorkeling, with parts of the hull visible above water. It serves both practical and historical interest as a breakwater.

Resources & Links

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Let me know if you’d like access to period ship plans, newspaper clippings about the 1955 burning, or help contacting regional maritime museums.