Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Queen City
- Type: three-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Dixon & Ellinwood
- Dimensions: Length: 183 ft (55.8 m); Beam: 36 ft (11 m); Depth: 13 ft (4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 676 tons
- Location: Hog Island Reef, northeast of St. James, Beaver Island
- Official Number: 20563
- Original Owners: Captain George Benham
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Queen City was a three-masted wooden schooner designed for transporting bulk cargo, particularly coal, across the Great Lakes. Schooners of this size were commonly employed in the late 19th century for heavy freight transport, often operating in tows or convoys alongside steam-powered vessels.
Description
Built in 1873 by Dixon & Ellinwood in West Bay City, Michigan, the Queen City was a large schooner with three masts, optimized for carrying coal and other bulk materials. At 183 feet in length, she was capable of transporting substantial loads between major Great Lakes ports such as Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee.
Owned out of Cleveland by Captain George Benham, the Queen City was a key vessel in the coal trade, supplying industrial cities and smaller settlements alike. Schooners like the Queen City were vital components of the Great Lakes shipping network, especially during the coal boom of the late 19th century.
History
Coal Transport on the Great Lakes (1873–1895): For over two decades, the Queen City served in the Great Lakes freight trade, primarily hauling coal from Cleveland to ports around Lake Michigan. Her sturdy wooden hull and large cargo capacity made her ideal for the coal shipping industry, which was essential for fueling industrial growth across the region.
Final Voyage and Shelter Attempt: On her final voyage in September 1895, the Queen City was loaded with coal and sailing through Lake Michigan when she encountered a severe storm. Seeking shelter, the schooner attempted to navigate near Hog Island Reef, northeast of Beaver Island, but was ultimately driven onto the reef by the high winds and rough seas.
Significant Incidents
- Cause of Loss: Storm and Grounding
- Date of Loss: September 23, 1895
- Location: Hog Island Reef, northeast of St. James, Beaver Island, Lake Michigan
While attempting to shelter from a storm, the Queen City was driven onto Hog Island Reef. The impact and relentless pounding from the waves caused the vessel to take on water and sink. The crew of eight climbed into the rigging to escape the rising water and await rescue.
The next day, the Beaver Island lifesaving crew braved treacherous conditions to rescue the stranded sailors. The operation was described as a great struggle, highlighting both the severity of the storm and the bravery of the rescue team.
After the vessel sank, the wreck was reportedly stripped by local “pirates” from Beaver Island. The term likely refers to locals salvaging valuable materials from the wreck before official salvage crews could arrive.
Final Disposition
The Queen City sank on Hog Island Reef, northeast of St. James on Beaver Island, and was declared a total loss. The vessel was reportedly stripped of valuables by local salvagers shortly after the sinking. The wreck remains a historical site in the Lake Michigan area.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck Location: The Queen City‘s wreck is located near Hog Island Reef, in the Beaver Island archipelago of Lake Michigan.
Condition of the Wreck: The vessel’s wooden hull has broken apart due to the storm damage and subsequent salvage activities. Over time, the freshwater environment of Lake Michigan has preserved some parts of the hull.
Diving and Exploration: The site can be of interest to divers and maritime historians. However, the wreck’s proximity to the reef and potential navigational hazards make it a site that requires careful exploration.
Resources & Links
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The Queen City, a three-masted wooden schooner built in 1873 by Dixon & Ellinwood in West Bay City, Michigan, was a vital part of the Great Lakes coal trade for over two decades. Her loss in a storm on Hog Island Reef in 1895 underscores the hazards of Lake Michigan navigation and the resilience of the maritime community.
The successful rescue of the crew by the Beaver Island lifesaving team highlights the heroism of Great Lakes rescue operations, while the subsequent salvage of the wreck by local “pirates” reflects the resourcefulness of coastal communities. The Queen City remains a symbol of the challenges and triumphs of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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