Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Northern Light
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1858
- Builder: Lafrinier & Stevenson, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: 744 gross tons (approx. 675 metric tonnes)
- Location: Lake Huron, Michigan
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Official Number: 18114
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Northern Light was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer, commonly referred to as a “package freighter.” These vessels were designed to transport both passengers and freight, playing a crucial role in the development of commerce and settlement around the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.
Description
Built in 1858 by Lafrinier & Stevenson in Cleveland, Ohio, the Northern Light was a 744 gross ton (approx. 675 metric tonnes) wooden propeller steamer. While specific dimensions are not detailed in the available records, vessels of this type typically featured a single screw propeller powered by a steam engine, with accommodations for passengers and cargo. The Northern Light was part of a fleet that facilitated transportation and trade between major ports such as Cleveland and Lake Superior destinations.
History
The Northern Light served as a passenger and package freight steamer on the Cleveland-Lake Superior route, delivering people, manufactured goods, and supplies to burgeoning Lake Superior ports, and returning with passengers and cargos of copper and iron ore. In August 1881, the vessel met its demise under circumstances that remain somewhat unclear. Some reports suggest that the Northern Light caught fire and burned to a total loss while docked, while others indicate that it sank at its dock during a storm. Further complicating the narrative, an attempt to salvage the vessel using a tug reportedly failed, resulting in the wreck breaking apart.
Significant Incidents
- August 1881: The Northern Light was lost under uncertain circumstances, with reports of either a fire or sinking at dock during a storm.
Final Disposition
Following the incident in August 1881, the Northern Light was deemed a total loss. Efforts to salvage the vessel were unsuccessful, and the wreck ultimately broke apart during the recovery attempt. The remains of the Northern Light have not been conclusively located or documented in modern times.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Northern Light has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
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The Northern Light exemplifies the challenges and hazards faced by maritime vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite its vital role in facilitating commerce and transportation, the vessel’s service was cut short under ambiguous circumstances. The lack of definitive information regarding its final moments underscores the need for continued research and exploration to fully understand and preserve the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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