Minnesota – St. Lawrence River Freighter Shipwreck (1903)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Minnesota
• Type: Wooden propeller-driven bulk freighter
• Year Built: 1880
• Builder: Wolf & Davidson, Milwaukee, WI
• Dimensions: 206 ft (62.8 m); Beam 36 ft; Depth of hold 18 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 1,138 gross tons / 903 net tons
• Location: St. Clair River, near Grande Pointe
• Official Number: 91272

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Minnesota was a wooden propeller-driven bulk freighter, built to transport cargo across the Great Lakes and St. Clair River.

Description

Constructed in 1880 by Wolf & Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Minnesota was designed for bulk freight transport. It measured 206 feet in length, 36 feet in beam, and had a depth of 18 feet, with a registered tonnage of 1,138 gross tons and 903 net tons.

History

The Minnesota operated primarily in the St. Clair River, a crucial transportation route between Lakes Huron and Erie. Its service history reflects the busy commerce of the early 20th century, particularly in coal transport.

Significant Incidents

• May 18, 1903: A fire erupted in the engine room while the vessel was off Walpole Island, leading to the crew abandoning ship.
• All 22 crew members survived the incident.

Final Disposition

After the fire, the Minnesota drifted downstream and sank near Porter White Farm, just south of Grande Pointe. The wreck became a significant navigational hazard until it was cleared by the Reid Wrecking Company between 1903 and 1904.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Minnesota is believed to have been flattened or demolished to clear the riverway, making it unlikely that significant remnants remain.

Resources & Links

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The Minnesota serves as a historical reminder of the wooden bulk carriers that once dominated the St. Clair River’s commerce and highlights the fire risks associated with coal-fueled steamers of that era.