Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: State of Michigan
- Type: Wooden sidewheel steamer
- Year Built: 1875
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: $30,000
- Location: Approximately 4 miles northwest of White Lake Harbor
- Original Owners: Barry Line fleet
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The State of Michigan was a wooden sidewheel steamer, part of the Barry Line fleet, primarily operating on Lake Michigan.
Description
Built in 1875, the State of Michigan was designed for regular service between Muskegon and Manistee/Chicago, frequently carrying salt and general freight.
History
On October 18, 1901, the State of Michigan departed Muskegon bound for Manistee with a load of salt. In clear weather, she experienced a structural failure, leading to a leak that caused her to take on water rapidly.
Significant Incidents
- October 18, 1901: The vessel sprang a leak due to structural failure, leading to the crew abandoning ship.
- The crew was rescued by the U.S. Life-Saving Service station at White Lake.
Final Disposition
The State of Michigan was declared a total constructive loss, with a reported value of around $30,000.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site remains unlocated, and further research is recommended to map the site and investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”state-of-michigan-1875″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the State of Michigan serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of aging wooden steamers and highlights the importance of life-saving service interventions in maritime history.
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