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

• Vessel Name: MINNEAPOLIS
• Type: Wooden Propeller Steamer
• Built: 1873, Marine City, Michigan
• Ownership: Parker and Millen, Detroit
• Net Tonnage: 950 tons
• Final Location: Straits of Mackinac, Lake Michigan
• Depth: 20 fathoms (approximately 36.6 meters or 120 feet)
• Date of Sinking: April 4, 1894

Vessel Type Description

The MINNEAPOLIS was a wooden propeller-driven steamer, a workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry during the late 19th century. Designed to transport bulk cargo, the vessel was built with a robust hull to withstand the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes, though it ultimately proved no match for the treacherous ice fields of the Straits of Mackinac.

History

The MINNEAPOLIS had an active career transporting cargo across the Great Lakes, serving a critical role in the movement of goods during a period of significant economic growth in the region. On her final voyage in April 1894, the steamer was carrying a cargo of 48,517 bushels of wheat, bound for Buffalo from Chicago.

Final Incident:

• On April 4, 1894, while navigating through the Straits of Mackinac, the MINNEAPOLIS was crushed by ice, a common hazard during the early spring thaw.
• The vessel sank in 20 fathoms of water, resulting in the total loss of the ship and cargo.

Crew Rescue:

• The crew escaped the sinking ship and were rescued by the MINNEAPOLIS’s consort, the schooner SAN DIEGO.
• The crew was later transferred to the tug FAVORITE, which transported them safely to Cheboygan, Michigan.
• Fortunately, there were no reported casualties in the incident.

Final Disposition

• Vessel Status: Total loss
• Cargo: 48,517 bushels of wheat, also lost
• Wreck Condition: Likely broken up and scattered due to ice damage and sinking forces.

The MINNEAPOLIS remains on the lakebed of the Straits of Mackinac, resting at a depth of approximately 20 fathoms (36.6 meters / 120 feet). Its exact condition is unknown, though the wooden hull and scattered remains likely reflect significant deterioration over time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck of the MINNEAPOLIS. However, the Straits of Mackinac are a heavily trafficked area, and the historical presence of wrecks highlights the need for careful navigation in these waters.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• NOAA Wrecks Map

Keywords MINNEAPOLIS Steamer Shipwreck Lake Michigan Wreck •Straits of Mackinac Ice Crush •19th Century Great Lakes Shipping •Wooden Propeller Steamer •Wheat Cargo Loss

Conclusion

The sinking of the MINNEAPOLIS in 1894 underscores the challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels during the transition from winter to spring. The crushing force of the ice in the Straits of Mackinac proved too much for even a well-built wooden steamer, leading to its tragic loss. While the crew’s safe rescue speaks to the camaraderie and quick thinking of Great Lakes sailors, the incident remains a sobering reminder of the perils of shipping in these waters. The wreck of the MINNEAPOLIS is a poignant chapter in the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.

minneapolis 1894-04-04 07:53:00