Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: MILLS
- Type: Wooden-Hulled Barge
- Year Built: 1870
- Builder: Philander Lester
- Dimensions: 164.4 ft (50.1 m); Beam: 29.9 ft (9.1 m); Depth of hold: 11.6 ft (3.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 391.49; Net Tonnage: 305.91
- Location: Opposite McGregor Point, St. Clair River
- Coordinates: 42.7955000°, -082.4778167°
- Original Owners: Mills Transportation Co. (Nelson and B. Mills of Marysville, Henry McMorran of Port Huron); Port Huron Navigation Co. (1901)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The MILLS was a wooden barge designed primarily for the lumber trade, equipped with a single deck and a robust build to accommodate large loads. Its design included a steeple compound engine, which provided reliable towing power for its time.
The barge was an integral part of the lumber industry in the Great Lakes region, capable of carrying significant cargo and frequently operating in conjunction with tugs.
Description
The MILLS was constructed in 1870 by Philander Lester, marking the beginning of its career in the lumber trade. Owned initially by the Mills Transportation Co., it was frequently used to transport lumber across the Great Lakes. Over the years, the vessel underwent several ownership changes, reflecting its steady use and importance in the regional economy.
The vessel’s engine, a steeple compound model built by Cuyahoga Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio, was a technological feature that enabled efficient towing operations, producing 400 horsepower at 95 RPM.
In 1901, ownership transferred to the Port Huron Navigation Co., with N. Mills serving as the company president.
History
On September 6, 1906, while en route from Cleveland, Ohio, to Algoma Mills, Ontario, the MILLS was in tow by the tug A. ANDERSON. The barge collided head-on with the steamer MILWAUKEE in the St. Clair River, south of St. Clair. The collision crushed the MILLS’ bow, causing it to sink rapidly.
Tragically, two lives were lost, including the wife of the engineer. To ensure navigational safety, the wreck of the MILLS was later blown up to clear the channel.
Significant Incidents
- 1901: Ownership transferred to Port Huron Navigation Co.
- 1906-09-06: Collision with the steamer MILWAUKEE leading to sinking.
Final Disposition
The MILLS underwent repairs and modifications throughout its operational life to maintain its reliability and adapt to the demands of the lumber trade.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site of the sinking is known (St. Clair River), but there are no specific records of modern recovery or detailed exploration of the wreckage.
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the MILLS.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mills-1870″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As divers explore the wreck of the MILLS, it is essential to remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and consider removing any garbage to leave the site better than you found it.
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.
Identification & Site Information:
- Name: MILLS
- Type: Wooden-Hulled Barge
- Built: 1870, Vicksburg (Marysville), Michigan
- Builder: Philander Lester
- Original Owners: Mills Transportation Co. (Nelson and B. Mills of Marysville, Henry McMorran of Port Huron)
- Dimensions:
- Length: 164.4 feet (50.1 meters)
- Beam: 29.9 feet (9.1 meters)
- Depth: 11.6 feet (3.5 meters)
- Tonnage:
- Gross Tonnage: 391.49
- Net Tonnage: 305.91
- Capacity: 385,000 board feet of lumber
- Final Resting Place: Opposite McGregor Point, St. Clair River
- 42.7955000°, -082.4778167°
Vessel Type Description:
The MILLS was a wooden barge designed primarily for the lumber trade, equipped with a single deck and a robust build to accommodate large loads. Its design included a steeple compound engine, which provided reliable towing power for its time.
The barge was an integral part of the lumber industry in the Great Lakes region, capable of carrying significant cargo and frequently operating in conjunction with tugs.
History:
The MILLS was constructed in 1870 by Philander Lester, marking the beginning of its career in the lumber trade. Owned initially by the Mills Transportation Co., it was frequently used to transport lumber across the Great Lakes. Over the years, the vessel underwent several ownership changes, reflecting its steady use and importance in the regional economy.
The vessel’s engine, a steeple compound model built by Cuyahoga Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio, was a technological feature that enabled efficient towing operations, producing 400 horsepower at 95 RPM.
In 1901, ownership transferred to the Port Huron Navigation Co., with N. Mills serving as the company president.
Final Disposition:
On September 6, 1906, while en route from Cleveland, Ohio, to Algoma Mills, Ontario, the MILLS was in tow by the tug A. ANDERSON. The barge collided head-on with the steamer MILWAUKEE in the St. Clair River, south of St. Clair. The collision crushed the MILLS’ bow, causing it to sink rapidly.
Tragically, two lives were lost, including the wife of the engineer. To ensure navigational safety, the wreck of the MILLS was later blown up to clear the channel.
Notable Modifications:
The MILLS underwent repairs and modifications throughout its operational life to maintain its reliability and adapt to the demands of the lumber trade.
Located By & Date:
The site of the sinking is known (St. Clair River), but there are no specific records of modern recovery or detailed exploration of the wreckage.
NOTMARs & Advisories:
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the MILLS.
Resources & Links:
3D Modela
Mills Boiler by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab
Mills Engine by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab
mills-1870 1906-09-06 07:50:00