Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Robert Noble
- Type: Wooden-hulled sternwheel steambarge
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: Alfred Anderson
- Dimensions: 76 ft (23.2 m) × 24 ft (7.3 m) × 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 74 G / 37 N tons
- Location: On Green Bay, near Menominee, Michigan
- Official Number: 110577
- Original Owners: Spear, Cox & Lawrence
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A wooden-hulled sternwheel steambarge, the Robert Noble was designed for transporting timber and supplies across inland waters, typical of the utility vessels of the 1880s.
Description
The Robert Noble was a small but nimble vessel, constructed from wood and featuring a sternwheel propulsion system. It was primarily used for hauling timber and supplies, reflecting the maritime needs of the region during its operational years.
History
Built in 1883 at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, by Alfred Anderson, the Robert Noble served in the timber trade. It was registered under the official number 110577 and had a registered tonnage of 74 gross tons and 37 net tons.
Significant Incidents
- Date Lost: 7 November 1888
- Incident: A lamp in the galley exploded, igniting a fire that consumed the vessel to the waterline. The crew abandoned ship, and the burning hulk drifted before being towed ashore by local fishermen.
- Casualties: None reported.
Final Disposition
The Robert Noble was completely destroyed by fire following the explosion. The vessel burned to the waterline, and as a total loss, no intact remains were left afloat or salvageable.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site was visible to contemporaries, and the hulk was beached. However, no modern exploration or wreck survey has been conducted, and it is likely that remains were salvaged or removed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”robert-noble-us-110577″ title=”References & Links”]
The Robert Noble was a wooden steambarge that met its end on 7 November 1888, after a lamp explosion led to a devastating fire. The crew escaped unharmed, and the remains of the vessel were salvaged, marking the conclusion of its maritime history.
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: Robert Noble
- Built: 1883 at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin by Alfred Anderson (wisconsinshipwrecks.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Official Number: 110577 (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Vessel Type: Wooden-hulled sternwheel steambarge (propeller-style configuration)
- Dimensions: ~76 × 24 × 6 ft (23.2 × 7.3 × 1.8 m), 74 G / 37 N tons (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Cargo: Cedar (deckload) (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date Lost: 7 November 1888
- Location: On Green Bay, near Menominee, Michigan (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Incident: While underway, a lamp in the galley exploded—igniting a fire that burned the vessel to the waterline. Her crew abandoned ship; the burning hulk drifted and was later towed ashore by local fishermen. (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
- Casualties: None reported
Vessel Type & Description
A small but nimble sternwheel—or propeller—working steamer, used for hauling timber and supplies across inland waters like Green Bay. Constructed from wood, typical of regional utility vessels in the 1880s.
Final Disposition
Completely destroyed by fire following an onboard lamp explosion. The vessel burned to mashtag, later extinguished or drifted ashore. As a total-loss event, no intact vessel remained afloat or salvageable.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck site was visible to contemporaries and her hulk was beached, but no modern exploration or wreck survey exists. Remains were likely salvaged or removed.
Notations & Advisories
- No navigational markers or chart warnings were established post-incident.
- The event is noted for the unusual lamp-related explosion—highlighting onboard fire risks of that era.
Archival & Research Follow-Up
To expand this record, here are recommended next steps:
- Retrieve Menominee-area newspaper articles (Nov 1888) for crew testimonies and salvage reports.
- Contact local archives such as the Menominee Historical Museum or Wisconsin Historical Society for file materials or photographic records.
- Examine insurance logs or enrolment documents under “Spear, Cox & Lawrence” (the owning business) for fire claims and vessel records.
- Review Great Lakes Maritime directories and underwriters’ catalogs (e.g., Burton, Lytle, Polk) for technical specs or incident commentary.
Conclusion:
Robert Noble was a wooden steambarge built in 1883 and met her demise on 7 Nov 1888, burned to the waterline after a lamp explosion in Green Bay near Menominee. The crew escaped without harm. The hulk drifted ashore and the remains were salvaged, finishing her final chapter.