Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Union
- Type: Wooden propeller bulk freighter (converted to steambarge)
- Year Built: 1861
- Builder: S. Bates, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 163 ft x 26 ft x 12 ft (49.7 m x 7.9 m x 3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 553 gross tons, 434 net tons
- Location: Near Au Sable Point, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 25048
- Original Owners: Mark English, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Number of Masts: Converted to steambarge in 1872
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Union was originally a wooden propeller-driven bulk freighter, designed for transporting heavy cargo such as iron ore, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. By 1872, it had been cut down to a steambarge, a common practice where masts and upper decks were removed to increase cargo capacity and ease loading and unloading.
Description
Built in 1861 by S. Bates in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Union was part of the expanding bulk freight industry on the Great Lakes, which was essential for moving raw materials to growing industrial centers. The vessel had an interesting lineage, as its machinery and first captain came from the former Goodrich Line steamer Ogontz, a passenger and freight steamer.
On September 25, 1873, the Union was caught in a westerly gale near Au Sable Point, Lake Superior. The storm drove the ship into the shallows, where it became stranded. Over time, the vessel was pounded by waves and completely broken apart.
Despite the wreck, some machinery was salvaged:
- Engine recovered in 1874
- Boiler recovered in 1875
At the time of the loss, 16 different vessels on the Great Lakes were named Union, causing some confusion in early shipwreck reports.
History
The Union was a classic example of the evolving Great Lakes bulk freight industry, transitioning from a propeller-driven freighter to a steambarge to better handle the increasing demand for iron ore transport. Its loss at Au Sable Point in 1873 highlights the dangers of Lake Superior storms, which have claimed many similar vessels over the years.
Significant Incidents
- September 25, 1873: Caught in a westerly gale, the Union was driven into shallows and subsequently pounded to pieces.
Final Disposition
The Union was declared a total loss, and its remains were scattered in the shallows near Au Sable Point.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No confirmed discovery of the wreck has been documented, though some wreckage may remain in the area. Au Sable Point is a known shipwreck area, with numerous vessels lost due to shifting sands, strong currents, and frequent storms. The area is part of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which preserves several Lake Superior shipwreck sites.
Resources & Links
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The Union was a classic example of the evolving Great Lakes bulk freight industry, transitioning from a propeller-driven freighter to a steambarge to better handle the increasing demand for iron ore transport. Its loss at Au Sable Point in 1873 highlights the dangers of Lake Superior storms, which have claimed many similar vessels over the years. Though its engine and boiler were salvaged, the ship itself was completely destroyed by wave action.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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