St. Louis (1864)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: St. Louis
• Type: Steam Barge (formerly a Propeller Steamship)
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: [Not Specified], Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 200 ft (66 m); Beam: 31 ft (9.4 m); Depth: 10 ft (3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 985.37 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 9 m / 30 ft
• Location: Cape Vincent, NY, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: N 44° 8′ 0.57″ / W 76° 19′ 14.40″
• Original Owners: Buffalo & Detroit Transportation Company; Niagara Falls Paper Company
• Number of Masts: Unrigged barge

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The St. Louis, launched in 1864, was one of the first “Propellers,” a class of steamships replacing side wheels with a single screw propeller. It featured a single-cylinder steam engine and was built for the Buffalo & Detroit Transportation Company. Initially a robust freight carrier, it underwent several modifications during its extensive career, including a rebuild in 1876 and conversion to an unrigged barge in 1906.

Description

The St. Louis was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, for the Buffalo & Detroit Transportation Company. It was re-measured to 985.37 tons in 1865. The vessel regularly transported goods and towed other vessels on the Great Lakes, suffering numerous groundings and collisions but remaining operational due to its durable construction. In 1906, it was converted into a barge and owned by the Niagara Falls Paper Company. It was abandoned near Cape Vincent, NY, in 1914 and declared a total loss.

History

The St. Louis was abandoned in February 1914 near Cape Vincent, NY, after becoming stranded. Its documents were surrendered, marking the end of its active service. The vessel’s remains now lie near the site of a former wood pulp dock in the St. Lawrence River.

Significant Incidents

• Numerous groundings and collisions throughout its operational history.
• Abandoned in 1914 after becoming stranded.

Final Disposition

The St. Louis was abandoned in February 1914 near Cape Vincent, NY, after becoming stranded. Its documents were surrendered, marking the end of its active service. The vessel’s remains now lie near the site of a former wood pulp dock in the St. Lawrence River.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is located near 1200 Broadway St, Cape Vincent, NY, just east of the town park. The remains include a timber crib dock leading to the wreck, large oak timbers extending from the bow to the stern, and a striking 12-foot (3.6-meter) rudder lying behind the wreck. The site’s shallow depth (30 feet/9 meters) and clear water provide excellent visibility and accessibility for divers of all levels.

Resources & Links

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