Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Robert Wallace (1882)

Explore the wreck of the Robert Wallace, a wooden bulk freighter that sank in Lake Superior, offering insights into 19th-century maritime engineering.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Robert Wallace
  • Type: Wooden Bulk Freighter
  • Year Built: 1882
  • Builder: Unknown, built in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Length 209.4 ft (63.8 m); Beam 36.2 ft (11 m); Depth of hold 17.9 ft (5.5 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 1,189.56 tons; Net Tonnage: 905.38 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 71.6 m / 235 ft
  • Location: Approximately 13 miles southeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota, Lake Superior
  • Original Owners: Owned by David Wallace and others, Black River, Ohio (Lorain)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Wooden Bulk Freighter

Description

Description: The Robert Wallace was a wooden bulk freighter designed for transporting iron ore from Minnesota’s Iron Range to manufacturing centers in the eastern United States. It featured a screw propulsion system powered by a for-and-aft compound engine with two cylinders, manufactured by Globe Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio.

History

History: The Robert Wallace served for 20 years as a reliable wooden bulk freighter, primarily engaged in the transport of iron ore. At the time of its loss, it was carrying iron ore when it sank in Lake Superior.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

  • Date of Incident: November 17, 1902
  • Cause of Sinking: Stress from towing caused the stern post to tear out, compounded by a burst steam pipe.
  • Outcome: The vessel foundered and sank approximately 13 miles southeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition: The Robert Wallace sank in Lake Superior due to structural failure and steam pipe issues. It remains a significant wreck site for maritime archaeology.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility: The wreck lies at a depth of 235 ft (71.6 m) and is largely intact, with the hull separated along the stem. The stern structure is mostly preserved, while the bow is partially broken, allowing for detailed views of hull construction. A bronze bell engraved with the ship’s name remains attached to the wooden rail.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”robert-wallace-1882″ title=”References & Links”]

This structured report ensures clarity and preserves the historical and archaeological significance of the Robert Wallace.

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.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Lengths: 209.4 ft (63.8 m)
  • Beam: 36.2 ft (11 m)
  • Depth: 17.9 ft (5.5 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 1,189.56 tons
  • Net Tonnage: 905.38 tons
  • Location: Approximately 13 miles southeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota, Lake Superior
  • Depth of Wreck: 235 ft (71.6 m)
  • Name: Robert Wallace
  • Construction:
  • Builder: Unknown, built in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Year Built: 1882
  • Propulsion: Screw propulsion system
  • Engine:
    • For-and-aft compound engine with two cylinders
    • Manufactured by Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio
    • 550 horsepower at 86 RPM
  • Boiler: Scotch boiler with steam pressure of 100 pounds
  • Ownership:
    • Owned by David Wallace and others, Black River, Ohio (Lorain)

HISTORY

  • Purpose: Transporting iron ore from Minnesota’s Iron Range to manufacturing centers in the eastern United States.
  • Service Life: 20 years as a reliable wooden bulk freighter.
  • Cargo at Time of Loss: Iron ore.

FINAL DISPOSITION

  • Date of Incident: November 17, 1902
  • Cause of Sinking:
    • Stress from towing caused the stern post to tear out.
    • A burst steam pipe compounded the vessel’s issues.
  • Outcome: The vessel foundered and sank approximately 13 miles southeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota, in Lake Superior.

DISCOVERY

  • Year Discovered: September 2006
  • Depth: Wreck lies at 235 ft (71.6 m) below the surface.
  • Condition of Wreck:
    • Hull separated along the stem; both sides remain largely intact.
    • Stern structure is mostly preserved.
    • Bow partially broken, offering detailed views of hull construction.
    • Artifacts: A bronze bell engraved with the ship’s name remains attached to the wooden rail.

3D Model – Robert Wallace

Shipwreck Wallace by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

SIGNIFICANCE

The discovery of the Robert Wallace wreck provided unique archaeological insights into wooden bulk freighters of the 19th century. Its well-preserved state allowed for the study of hull construction and engineering features rarely available at other wreck sites. The ship represents a key link in the historical transport of raw materials from Minnesota’s Iron Range to America’s industrial heartland.

REFERENCES & LINKS

This structured report ensures clarity and preserves the historical and archaeological significance of the Robert Wallace.

robert-wallace 1902-11-17 07:48:00