Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Northern Dock & Dredge Scow No. 2
- Type: Wooden work scow
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: Racine, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 84 gross tons; 84 net tons
- Location: Lying at its anchorage off Grassy Point, Duluth, Minnesota
- Coordinates: GPS coordinates not provided
- Official Number: 16489
- Original Owners: Northern Dock & Dredge Co.
- Number of Masts: string
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Northern Dock & Dredge Scow No. 2 is classified as a wooden work scow, primarily used for construction and dredging operations.
Description
Scow No. 2 was an 84-ton wooden work scow built in 1883. It was designed for utility in harbor operations and was part of the Northern Dock & Dredge Co. fleet.
History
Built in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1883, Scow No. 2 served the Northern Dock & Dredge Co. for several decades. It was primarily used for dredging and construction work in the Duluth area.
Significant Incidents
- The scow was at anchor when the catastrophic Cloquet–Duluth fire swept through that evening.
- An intense wildfire storm ignited the docks and caused severe damage—the scow burst into flames and was destroyed by fire, along with eight other vessels from the Northern Dock & Dredge Co. fleet.
Final Disposition
On the evening of October 12, 1918, the massive Cloquet–Duluth–Moose Lake fire swept into Duluth and engulfed waterfront operations at Grassy Point. Scow No. 2 burned completely, one of nine vessels lost to the fire, fortunately without loss of life.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of Scow No. 2 is believed to be submerged at its anchorage off Grassy Point. The exact condition of the wreck is unknown, and it may contain archaeological remains or charred debris.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”northern-dock-dredge-scow-no-2-us-16489″ title=”References & Links”]
Scow No. 2 remains a significant historical artifact of the Cloquet–Duluth fire and serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of wildfires on maritime operations in the early 20th century.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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