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(s): Troy
• Registry: United States
• Year built: 1849
• Year sank: 1859
• Vessel type: Propeller steamship
• Hull material: Wood
• Engine: Single expansion steam engine
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 49.68 m (163 ft)
  • Beam: 6.40 m (21 ft)
  • Depth: 3.05 m (10 ft)

Vessel Type

A wooden-hulled steam-driven cargo and passenger vessel of the “propeller” class, which marked a transition from sidewheel to screw propulsion on the Great Lakes.

Description

Built during the formative years of steam navigation, Troy employed a single expansion steam engine driving a screw propeller—providing a more compact and efficient design than paddle steamers. Her dimensions and engine class suggest she was used for mixed cargo and limited passenger service, likely operating between Lake Erie and Lake Huron ports.

History

Troy entered service in 1849 at a time of rapid growth in maritime traffic on the Great Lakes. Steam-powered vessels were key to linking developing inland ports with commercial hubs. Like many of her contemporaries, Troy performed dual service: ferrying passengers and general freight. No detailed logs survive, but her operational history is characteristic of mid-19th-century wooden steamers.

In 1859, she was lost in Lake Huron under unclear circumstances. While adverse weather and mechanical failure are cited as possibilities, there is no definitive record of the sinking event or cargo manifest. The wreck’s condition suggests a sudden event without major hull fragmentation.

Final Dispositions

Troy sank in 1859, cause officially undetermined. Likely candidates include structural failure, mechanical breakdown, or storm-induced swamping.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck was discovered and documented at a depth of 28.65 m (94 ft) in Lake Huron near Michigan. The exact date of discovery is not consistently cited, but documentation exists via 3DShipwrecks and diver surveys.

Coordinates:

• Latitude: 44° 08.654′ N
• Longitude: 83° 01.940′ W

Notmars & Advisories

None noted.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• Thumbwind Shipwrecks of Michigan
• 3DShipwrecks – Troy

Shore Dive Information

• Shore Access Location: Nearest major access point is Port Austin, MI
• Entry Type: Boat dive only
• Depth Range: 28–29 m (94–96 ft)
• Current & Conditions: Light to moderate currents; visibility ranges 3–10 m (10–33 ft); thermocline present
• Points of Interest: Well-preserved hull structure, intact propeller, steam engine visible
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (due to depth and thermocline)
• Safety & Emergency Info:
  • Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: McLaren Port Huron
  • USCG Sault Ste. Marie Sector
  • Emergency: U.S. 911
• Local Regulations: Michigan Underwater Preserve System – wreck protected; no artifact removal
• Best Time to Dive: June through September
• Driving Directions: Google Maps, Apple Maps
• Additional Resources: Local dive charters from Harbor Beach and Port Austin

Conclusion

Troy is a significant artifact of early steam navigation on the Great Lakes. As a wooden-hulled propeller vessel from the late 1840s, her design and operation illustrate the transitional phase from sail to steam. The well-preserved wreck site in Lake Huron remains a compelling destination for intermediate to advanced divers and a point of study for maritime historians.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

Propeller steamer; wooden hull; Lake Huron wreck; early steamship; 19th century; dive site; Michigan preserve; thermocline dive; cargo-passenger vessel.

• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• Thumbwind Shipwrecks of Michigan
• 3DShipwrecks – Troy

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Huron
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 94 ft (28.65 m)
• GPS Coordinates: N 44° 08.654′, W 83° 01.940′

3D Model – Troy

Troy by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Site Description:

The wreck of the Troy lies at a depth of 94 ft (28.65 m), with the hull largely flattened and broken due to its long submersion and the weight of sediment over time. Despite its condition, several key components remain visible:

• Engine: The tall single-expansion steam engine stands prominently at the site.
• Boiler: Remains of the vessel’s boiler are extant.
• Propeller: A key feature of the wreck, indicative of its propulsion system.

Other Artifacts:

• Capstan.
• Anchor windlass.
• Two wood-stock anchors.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

At 94 ft (28.65 m), the wreck is suitable for advanced recreational divers with proper training and equipment for deep dives.

• Visibility:

Lake Huron often provides good visibility, but conditions can vary depending on weather and sediment levels.

• Preservation Status:

The wreck is a protected cultural site under Michigan’s maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to observe respectfully and not disturb artifacts.

Site Significance

The Troy offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Great Lakes steamships during the mid-19th century. Its propeller-driven design highlights the transition from paddlewheel to more efficient propulsion methods. The surviving engine, boiler, and propeller provide valuable insights into the engineering of early steamships, while the presence of additional artifacts such as the capstan and anchors makes it an important site for maritime archaeology.

Keywords:

Troy shipwreck, Lake Huron steamships, Great Lakes maritime history, propeller vessels, Michigan shipwrecks, advanced wreck diving.

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