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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”minnesota-us-91272″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
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 & Vessel Specs
- Built: 1880 by Wolf & Davidson, Milwaukee, WI
- Hull: Wooden propeller-driven bulk freighter
- Dimensions: 206 ft length × 36 ft beam × 18 ft depth; 1,138 gross tons / 903 net tons
- Registry No.: 91272 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Marsh Historical Collection)
Final Voyage & Incident (May 18, 1903)
- Date: May 18, 1903
- Route: Upbound in the St. Clair River, heading north with a full load of coal
- Incident: A fire erupted in the engine room while the vessel was off Walpole Island (St. Clair River) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Response: Crew abandoned ship; Minnesota drifted downstream and sank near Porter White Farm, just south of Grande Pointe (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Casualties: All 22 crew members survived (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Wreck & Navigation Hazard
- Wreck Position: Rested in the river channel, becoming a serious navigational hazard until dealt with by Reid Wrecking Co. in Sarnia (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Salvage: Wreck was flattened—likely removed or demolished to clear the riverway
Historical Significance
- Represents wooden bulk carriers operating in early 20th-century St. Clair River commerce, a busy transition point between Lakes Huron and Erie
- The engine room fire underscores fire risk aboard steamers, particularly during the era’s frequent coal fuel operations
- The complete crew rescue highlights effective emergency procedures for river-based freighters
Research & Site Evaluation Opportunities
- Archival Research
- Review Sarnia Observer, Wallaceburg News, and Chatham Daily (May–June 1903) for incident reports, firefighting efforts, and navigation alerts
- Engine Room Fire Details
- Investigate whether the fire was caused by coal bunker heat, oil lines, or equipment malfunction—river shipping logs might contain clues
- Riverway Clearance Records
- Consultation with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Authority or municipal chamber of commerce may yield salvage records from Reid Wrecking Co.
- Underwater Survey
- Although likely flattened, a magnetometer survey may reveal remnants or debris field downstream of Grande Pointe
Summary Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Minnesota |
| Built | 1880, Milwaukee (wooden steamer) |
| Specs | 206 × 36 × 18 ft; 1,138 GRT |
| Incident | Engine room fire; sank May 18 1903 off Walpole Island |
| Crew | All 22 survived |
| Aftermath | Wreck cleared from river channel by 1903–1904 |