Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Peshtigo
- Type: Barge, later converted to screw steamer
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: Alvin A. Turner, Trenton, Michigan
- Dimensions: 198.2 ft (60.4 m) × 34.3 ft (10.5 m); Depth of hold 12.9 ft (3.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 660 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 60 ft
- Location: Round Island Passage, Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 54218
- Original Owners: S.P. Howell, William J. Calhoun, Charles F. Bauer, Fremont B. Chesbrough
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally built as a large tow barge for the lumber trade between Green Bay and Chicago. In 1896, she was reconstructed as a screw steamer at Wyandot, MI—fitted with a steeple-compound engine (rebuilt from George W. Johnson), delivering 400 hp with an 8’6″ × 15′ firebox boiler.
Description
The Peshtigo was a wooden vessel that transitioned from a tow barge to a screw steamer, reflecting the technological advancements in maritime transport during the late 19th century. Her dimensions post-conversion were 198.2 feet in length, 34.3 feet in beam, and a depth of 12.9 feet.
History
- 20 May 1869: Enrolled in Chicago for the Green Bay–Chicago lumber trade.
- Towed: By Admiral D.D. Porter (1871), Clematis (1876).
- Ownership: 1890: S.P. Howell, Chicago; 1891: William J. Calhoun, Chicago; 1894: Charles F. Bauer, Saginaw; 1896: Fremont B. Chesbrough, Bay City (also rebuilt & converted).
Significant Incidents
In a violent overnight gale on 24 October 1908, the Peshtigo stranded on the shoals near Round Island. Severe structural damage and progressive break-up in shallow water led to abandonment. The vessel was officially documented as stranded and a total loss in 1909 at Marquette.
Final Disposition
The hull remains in shallow shoals off Mackinac’s Round Island. Early observers saw portions of her hull and machinery unlawfully scavenged. Subsequent site surveys discovered remnants but no formal archaeological documentation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Site known since 1908; documented through local wreck logs and underwater exploration. Identification confirmed by dimensions, engine parts, and hull remnants matching official register.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”peshtigo-1908-us-54218″ title=”References & Links”]
The Peshtigo barge–turned–steamer exemplifies the evolution of Great Lakes working vessels. Her final loss during a lumber cargo transport highlights the enduring risks of autumn storms and the transitions in maritime technology from sail-barge to steam barge in the late 19th century.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Peshtigo
- Official Number: 54218
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: Alvin A. Turner, Trenton, Michigan
- Vessel Type: Barge, later converted to screw steamer
- Hull Material: Wood
- Decks: 1
- Masts: 2
- Dimensions (post-conversion): 198.2 ft (60.4 m) × 34.3 ft (10.5 m) beam × 12.9 ft (3.9 m) depth; 660 gross tons
- Final Location: Round Island Passage, Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron
- Lost: 24 October 1908 — stranded in gale while transporting lumber; declared total loss after failed salvage; no fatalities (Wrecksite, WZZM 13, Wikipedia, Shipwreck Log)
Vessel Type & Modifications
Originally built as a large tow barge for the lumber trade between Green Bay and Chicago. In 1896, she was reconstructed as a screw steamer at Wyandot, MI—fitted with a steeple-compound engine (rebuilt from George W. Johnson), delivering 400 hp with an 8′6″ × 15′ firebox boiler .
Construction & Ownership History
- 20 May 1869: Enrolled in Chicago for the Green Bay–Chicago lumber trade
- Towed: By Admiral D.D. Porter (1871), Clematis (1876) (Wrecksite)
- Ownership:
- 1890: S.P. Howell, Chicago
- 1891: William J. Calhoun, Chicago
- 1894: Charles F. Bauer, Saginaw
- 1896: Fremont B. Chesbrough, Bay City (also rebuilt & converted)
Final Voyage & Wreck
In a violent overnight gale on 24 October 1908, the Peshtigo stranded on the shoals near Round Island. Severe structural damage and progressive break-up in shallow water led to abandonment. The vessel was officially documented as stranded and a total loss in 1909 at Marquette (Wrecksite).
Final Disposition & Site Condition
The hull remains in shallow shoals off Mackinac’s Round Island. Early observers saw portions of her hull and machinery unlawfully scavenged. Subsequent site surveys discovered remnants but no formal archaeological documentation .
Located By & Date Found
Site known since 1908; documented through local wreck logs and underwater exploration. Identification confirmed by dimensions, engine parts, and hull remnants matching official register .
Notmars & Advisories
No official Notices to Mariners related to this wreck. The site lies in shallow water cleared for navigation; however, caution is advised due to submerged debris near Round Island Passage.
Dive & Survey Considerations
- Depth: Approx. 52–60 ft (16–18 m) (Straits Preserve)
- Access: Shallow tech/recreational diving possible with caution
- Site Integrity: Wooden hull structure, engine components, possible cargo remnants
- Skill Level: Intermediate (boat access required, minor currents)
- Safety: Watch for traffic through Straits; follow U.S./Canada wreck protection laws
Significance
The Peshtigo barge–turned–steamer exemplifies the evolution of Great Lakes working vessels. Her final loss during a lumber cargo transport highlights the enduring risks of autumn storms and the transitions in maritime technology from sail-barge to steam barge in the late 19th century.
Resources & Links
- Wrecksite.eu: Technical registry and wreck synopsis (Wikipedia, Wrecksite)
- Straits Preserve Shipwreck Log: Site imagery and depth assessment
- WZZM13 article detailing beach-observed remains (WZZM 13)
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
Tags: Peshtigo, screw steamer barge, lumber cargo, Round Island, Straits of Mackinac, 1908 wreck
Categories: Great Lakes Work Vessels, Shallow Water Wrecks, 19th-Century Conversions
Glossary: Screw steamer, compound engine, gross tonnage, stranded, wreck abandonment