Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: PENINSULA
- Type: Wooden Propeller (Steamship)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Eagle River, Lake Superior
- Original Owners: Sheldon McKnight, Detroit, Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The PENINSULA was a wooden propeller-driven steamship designed to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. Propeller vessels of this type were especially valuable for transporting heavy or bulky goods, including mining supplies, construction materials, and other essential resources. Owned by Sheldon McKnight of Detroit, the vessel played an active role in the Lake Superior trade, particularly in transporting supplies critical to the burgeoning copper mining industry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Description
On November 17, 1854, the propeller steamship PENINSULA encountered a severe storm while anchored at Eagle River on Lake Superior. The vessel suffered mechanical failures, including a broken shaft and loss of its wheel, rendering it immobile and vulnerable to the harsh lake conditions. The crew attempted to run the vessel onto the beach in shallow water to avoid destruction. However, the relentless waves ultimately battered the vessel, breaking it apart and resulting in a total loss.
The PENINSULA’s cargo of 2,000 kegs of powder, intended for the mining industry in the region, suffered partial spoilage; approximately 1,000 kegs were ruined in the wreck. This loss of powder contributed to a temporary scarcity, impacting mining operations in the Upper Peninsula, where copper had been discovered in 1845.
History
The loss of the PENINSULA highlights the risks that vessels faced while navigating Lake Superior, particularly given the region’s unpredictable and often violent weather. The vessel’s cargo of gunpowder was an essential resource for the local mining industry, and its spoilage directly affected operations in an area dependent on mining resources.
Additionally, the wreck of the PENINSULA was not an isolated incident; many vessels had been lost in the Lake Superior trade since the copper boom began. By 1854, it was estimated that the total value of vessels and cargoes lost in the region was around $492,000—a significant sum for the era, with substantial implications for economic and human losses.
Significant Incidents
- The PENINSULA encountered a severe storm while anchored at Eagle River.
- Mechanical failures included a broken shaft and loss of its wheel.
- The vessel was rendered immobile and ultimately broke apart due to relentless waves.
- Approximately 1,000 kegs of gunpowder were spoiled, impacting local mining operations.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the PENINSULA serves as a reminder of the formidable challenges faced by vessels on Lake Superior. The vessel’s tragic end in 1854 highlights the constant threat of severe weather, mechanical failure, and the significant risks associated with transporting critical supplies across the Great Lakes. The story of the PENINSULA and its owner, Sheldon McKnight, also reflects the resilience and persistence of 19th-century maritime entrepreneurs, who continued to support regional industries despite the frequent losses of vessels and cargo.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it is reported to have been wrecked near shore. Accessibility may be limited due to the location and potential hazards associated with the site.
Resources & Links
For more information on Great Lakes maritime history, including the PENINSULA and other vessels lost on Lake Superior, these resources can be valuable: