Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sophia Smith
- Type: Barge
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Pointe Mouillee, Michigan
- Official Number: Not located in available records
- Original Owners: Barledge of Detroit
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden barge
Description
The Sophia Smith was a wooden barge operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Specific details regarding her construction, dimensions, and tonnage are not documented in the available records. As a barge, she would have been designed for transporting bulk cargoes, often towed by steamers across the lakes.
History
In November 1874, the Sophia Smith ran aground near Pointe Mouillee, Michigan, after breaking loose from her tow while bound up light (without cargo). The incident occurred during a period of inclement weather, which was common on the Great Lakes during late autumn. The barge was owned by Barledge of Detroit.
Significant Incidents
- Grounding: The Sophia Smith ran aground in November 1874 due to inclement weather and broke loose from her tow.
Final Disposition
Following the grounding, efforts were made to salvage the Sophia Smith. Captain Frank Hackett and P.C. LaLiberty of Amherstburg, Ontario, contracted to raise the vessel. The tug Minnie Morton was dispatched with a crew to commence salvage operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Sophia Smith was a known navigational hazard following the grounding. Mariners in the area were advised to exercise caution. Currently, there are no known navigational warnings or advisories associated with the former wreck site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sophia-smith” title=”References & Links”]
The Sophia Smith‘s grounding near Pointe Mouillee in 1874 underscores the challenges faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. While specific details about the vessel’s construction and service history are scarce, the incident highlights the perils of lake navigation during that era. Further research into local archives and historical societies may provide additional insights into the Sophia Smith‘s story.
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: Sophia Smith
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: Not located in available records
- Date Built and Launched: Not located in available records
- Measurements: Not located in available records
- Date Lost: November 1874
Vessel Type
Wooden barge
Description
The Sophia Smith was a wooden barge operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Specific details regarding her construction, dimensions, and tonnage are not documented in the available records. As a barge, she would have been designed for transporting bulk cargoes, often towed by steamers across the lakes.
History
In November 1874, the Sophia Smith ran aground near Pointe Mouillee, Michigan, after breaking loose from her tow while bound up light (without cargo). The incident occurred during a period of inclement weather, which was common on the Great Lakes during late autumn. The barge was owned by Barledge of Detroit.
Final Disposition
Following the grounding, efforts were made to salvage the Sophia Smith. Captain Frank Hackett and P.C. LaLiberty of Amherstburg, Ontario, contracted to raise the vessel. The tug Minnie Morton was dispatched with a crew to commence salvage operations.
Located By & Date Found
- Located By: Captain Frank Hackett and P.C. LaLiberty
- Date Found: November 1874
Notmars & Advisories
- Historical Advisory: The wreck of the Sophia Smith was a known navigational hazard following the grounding. Mariners in the area were advised to exercise caution.
- Current Status: No known navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the former wreck site.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Sophia Smith‘s grounding near Pointe Mouillee in 1874 underscores the challenges faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. While specific details about the vessel’s construction and service history are scarce, the incident highlights the perils of lake navigation during that era. Further research into local archives and historical societies may provide additional insights into the Sophia Smith‘s story.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Sophia Smith, barge, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Pointe Mouillee maritime history, 1874 grounding
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Michigan Maritime Incidents, 19th Century Shipwrecks
- Glossary Terms:
- Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel used for transporting goods, typically towed by another vessel.
- Grounding: The act of a ship running aground or being driven ashore.