Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Queen of the Lakes
- Type: wooden propeller freighter
- Year Built: 1853
- Builder: G.W. Jones, Black River, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 185 ft (56.4 m); Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m); Depth: 13 ft (4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 637 tons
- Location: Near Rippley Rock, off Marquette, Michigan
- Coordinates: Near Rippley Rock, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 20508
- Original Owners: Evans-Buffalo Line
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Queen of the Lakes was a wooden propeller freighter, a vessel type designed for the bulk transport of heavy cargo, like pig iron, across the Great Lakes. Propeller-driven freighters of the mid-19th century represented a significant advancement over sidewheel steamers, offering a greater efficiency and maneuverability for freight operations.
Description
Constructed in 1853 by G.W. Jones in Black River, Ohio (now part of Lorain), the Queen of the Lakes was a 185-foot wooden propeller freighter. She was built during a period of rapid growth in Great Lakes shipping, coinciding with the expansion of the iron ore industry in the Lake Superior region.
The vessel was owned by the Evans-Buffalo Line, a prominent shipping company involved in freight transport between Buffalo and various Lake Superior ports. Her cargo of pig iron reflects the increasing industrial demands of the era, as iron was essential for the construction of railroads, machinery, and infrastructure.
The Queen of the Lakes underwent major repairs in 1861 and was rebuilt in 1866, extending her service life and ensuring her continued role in the Great Lakes freight trade.
History
Freight Carrier for the Iron Industry (1853–1869): For over 15 years, the Queen of the Lakes transported bulk cargo, primarily pig iron, from Lake Superior ports like Marquette to industrial centers around the Great Lakes. Her regular routes likely included stops in Cleveland, Buffalo, and other key ports.
Rebuild and Major Repairs: The vessel underwent major repairs in 1861, to address the wear and tear common to wooden freighters exposed to the harsh conditions of Lake Superior. In 1866, she was rebuilt, which would have included structural reinforcements and possibly engine upgrades to improve efficiency and cargo capacity.
Final Voyage and Fire at Marquette: On June 12, 1869, the Queen of the Lakes had just finished loading pig iron at the Marquette docks. As she was blowing her whistle to depart, a fire was discovered aboard. In an effort to prevent the fire from spreading to the dock and other vessels, a local tugboat pushed the burning vessel into open water. The vessel burned to the waterline and sank a few hundred yards offshore, near Rippley Rock.
Significant Incidents
- Cause of Loss: Fire
- Date of Loss: June 12, 1869
- Location: Near Rippley Rock, off Marquette, Lake Superior
The fire aboard the Queen of the Lakes began just as the vessel was preparing to depart from the dock in Marquette. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but such incidents were common on wooden steamships due to the proximity of boilers to flammable materials and the potential for coal dust ignition.
In a bid to prevent a larger disaster, a local tugboat pushed the Queen of the Lakes into open water, where she burned to the waterline and sank. The vessel went down just a few hundred yards offshore, near Rippley Rock. Despite the dramatic circumstances, there were no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The Queen of the Lakes was declared a total loss after the fire and subsequent sinking near Marquette. However, in 1882, 13 years after the sinking, the vessel’s machinery was recovered, indicating that some parts of the wreck remained accessible and salvageable.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck Location: The wreck lies near Rippley Rock, just offshore from Marquette, Michigan, in Lake Superior.
Condition of the Wreck: After burning to the waterline and sinking, much of the vessel’s superstructure would have been destroyed. However, the cold, fresh waters of Lake Superior are known to preserve wooden shipwrecks, suggesting that portions of the hull and cargo hold may still be intact.
Salvage Operations: The vessel’s machinery was removed in 1882, which likely involved raising parts of the engine and propeller from the wreck site.
Diving and Exploration: The wreck’s proximity to shore and relatively shallow depth make it a potential site for diving exploration, though conditions in Lake Superior can be challenging due to cold temperatures and variable visibility.
Resources & Links
The Queen of the Lakes, a wooden propeller freighter built in 1853 by G.W. Jones of Black River, Ohio, played a significant role in the Great Lakes freight trade, particularly in the transport of pig iron from Lake Superior ports like Marquette. Her loss to fire in 1869 underscores the hazards faced by wooden steamships and the challenges of maritime fire prevention during this period.
Despite her destruction, the recovery of her machinery in 1882 suggests that the wreck remained a valuable resource for salvage operations. The Queen of the Lakes stands as a testament to the growth of industrial shipping on the Great Lakes and the perils faced by mariners navigating these treacherous waters.