Sagamore US 57932

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Sagamore
• Type: Whaleback Barge
• Year Built: 1892
• Builder: American Steel Barge Company
• Dimensions: Length 308 ft (93.9 m); Beam 38 ft (11.6 m); Draft 24 ft (7.3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1,601 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 19.8 m / 65 ft
• Location: Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, near Iroquois Point
• Coordinates: 46° 31.081′ N 084° 37.910′ W
• Official Number: US 57932
• Original Owners: Huron Barge Company, managed by Pickands, Mather and Company, Ashtabula, Ohio
• Number of Masts: none

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Sagamore was a whaleback barge, part of an innovative fleet of 44 such vessels built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Characterized by their low, rounded hulls and cigar-like shape, whaleback barges were designed for efficiency in carrying bulk cargo such as iron ore. The Sagamore, typically towed by the whaleback steamer Pathfinder, exemplified this design with its sturdy steel construction and high capacity.

Description

The Sagamore sank on July 29, 1901, after a collision with the Northern Queen in Whitefish Bay. Its wreck site is now an underwater museum and a popular diving destination.

History

Construction and Service (1892–1901):
Built by the American Steel Barge Company, the Sagamore was a remarkable example of engineering, capable of impressive feats such as unloading 3,200 tons of iron ore in just 8 hours at Ashtabula in 1893. The barge primarily operated on the Great Lakes, transporting bulk cargo under the ownership of the Huron Barge Company.

Final Voyage and Tragic Collision (1901):
On July 29, 1901, the Sagamore was anchored near Iroquois Point in Whitefish Bay, alongside its consort, the Pathfinder. The dense fog characteristic of the area led to its tragic demise. The steel steamer Northern Queen, unable to see the anchored barge, collided with the Sagamore, tearing through its hull. The Sagamore quickly filled with water and sank. Three crew members, including Captain E. Joiner, the cook, and a sailor, perished in the collision.

Significant Incidents

• The wreck was discovered in 1962 by explorers Jack Brosco and Robert McCormick.

Final Disposition

The Sagamore sank on July 29, 1901, after a collision with the Northern Queen in Whitefish Bay. Its wreck site is now an underwater museum and a popular diving destination.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is well-preserved and accessible to divers, lying at a depth of 45–65 feet. Its structural integrity and unique design make it a compelling site for exploration. Divers are urged to exercise caution and follow preservation guidelines.

Resources & Links

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The Sagamore stands as a testament to the ingenuity of whaleback barge design and the industrious spirit of Great Lakes shipping. Its tragic end in 1901 and its subsequent preservation as an underwater museum highlight both the risks and the legacy of maritime commerce. Today, the wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich history and a captivating destination for divers and historians alike.