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: 391.49 tons; Net: 305.91 tons
- Location: St. Clair River, opposite McGregor Point
- Original Owners: Mills Transportation Co., N. Mills & Co., Port Huron Navigation Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The MILLS was a wooden-hulled barge primarily used for transporting lumber across the Great Lakes.
Description
The MILLS was constructed in 1870 by Philander Lester in Vicksburg, Michigan. It was designed to carry large quantities of lumber, with a capacity of 385,000 board feet. The barge was typically towed by other vessels, including the tug A. ANDERSON.
History
Construction and Ownership: The MILLS was built for the Mills Transportation Co. of Port Huron, Michigan, which included notable figures such as Nelson and B. Mills and Henry McMorran. The ownership changed multiple times, including:
- 1888: Owned by N. Mills & Co. of Cleveland, Ohio.
- 1901: Operated by Port Huron Navigation Co., with N. Mills as president.
Engine Specifications: The barge was equipped with a steeple compound engine manufactured by Cuyahoga Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio, featuring cylinders of 20 + 36 x 30 inches and generating 400 HP at 95 revolutions per minute.
Significant Incidents
Final Incident:
- Date: September 6, 1906
- Location: South of St. Clair, opposite McGregor Point, St. Clair River
- Event: The MILLS collided head-on with the steel steamer MILWAUKEE while en route from Cleveland to Algoma Mills, resulting in catastrophic damage and the loss of two lives, including the wife of the engineer.
- Aftermath: The wreck was subsequently blown up to clear the navigational channel.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the MILLS was destroyed to clear the St. Clair River channel, leaving no significant remnants for exploration. However, its historical significance remains preserved through accounts and archival materials.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was removed, and no significant remains are available for divers. Historical documentation continues to honor the legacy of the MILLS and its role in Great Lakes commerce.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”n-mills-1870″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the MILLS serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1870 to its tragic collision in 1906, the MILLS played a significant role in the region’s lumber trade, leaving behind a legacy marked by both progress and peril.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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