Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mineral City
- Type: Wooden single-deck propeller vessel
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: William Dulac
- Dimensions: Originally 70.4 ft × 16 ft × 5.3 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 57.66 GRT / 28.83 NRT
- Location: Near the former mouth of Chicago’s Ogden Slip
- Official Number: US 92639
- Original Owners: Berton J. Dulac, Thomas Young
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden single-deck propeller vessel.
Description
Description
The Mineral City was a modest wooden propeller steamer built in 1895, later modified for larger service, and ultimately abandoned and scuttled near Chicago’s Ogden Slip in 1931. Though unremarkable in scale, she represents a common vessel class vital to early Great Lakes regional commerce.
History
History
- Original Owner: Berton J. Dulac, Mt. Clemens
- 1919: Underwent a refit (details unspecified)
- 1930: Two-deck conversion recorded; new dimensions 84′ × 17′ × 5′; same tonnage; owned by Thomas Young, Chicago.
- Served with Chicago–Michigan river transport fleet, likely hauling light freight or passengers.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1931: Abandoned in Chicago’s Ogden Slip, later scuttled in Lake Michigan as a disposal measure. No survivors lost; considered obsolete by then.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Mineral City was abandoned in 1931 and subsequently scuttled in Lake Michigan. The vessel was deemed obsolete at the time of her scuttling.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
No known dive expeditions or surveys have been conducted on the wreck. It is possible that the wreck has been broken up for salvage or obscured by silt and harbor fill.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mineral-city-us-92639″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The Mineral City represents a significant aspect of Great Lakes maritime history, showcasing the lifecycle of small wooden vessels from construction to abandonment. Her wreck may still lie undiscovered under harbor sediments, presenting opportunities for maritime heritage exploration.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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