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.

Identification & Vessel Information:

• Vessel Name: William R. Linn
• Type: Steamer
• Year Built: 1898
• Builder: Steel-built
• Construction: Steel
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 122 meters (400 feet)
  • Beam: 14.7 meters (48.3 feet)
  • Depth: 7.3 meters (23.9 feet)
• Tonnage:
  • Gross: 4,328 tons
  • Net: 3,196 tons
• Horsepower: 1,800 indicated horsepower
• Last Registered Port: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Wreck Location: Near Port Huron, Lake Huron
• Depth at Wreck Site: Unknown (vessel was raised after sinking)
• Current Condition: Raised; details of final disposition are unclear

Vessel Type Description:

The William R. Linn was a large steel steamer primarily engaged in passenger service on the Great Lakes. Its robust construction and powerful 1,800-horsepower engine allowed it to navigate the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes while serving major ports such as Chicago. At 400 feet in length, the vessel was among the significant steamers operating in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Operational Role:

The William R. Linn served as a passenger steamer, connecting various ports and contributing to the growth of commerce and transportation on the Great Lakes.

Collision Incident:

• On November 1, 1918, during World War I, the William R. Linn collided with the Canadian steamer America above Port Huron, Michigan. This collision resulted in the William R. Linn sinking in Lake Huron.
• The crew was successfully rescued, and no lives were lost.

Raising of the Vessel:

Following the sinking, salvage operations were conducted, and the William R. Linn was successfully raised. However, the historical record does not detail the vessel’s post-raising fate, whether it was repaired, scrapped, or put back into service.

Final Disposition:

The William R. Linn was raised after its sinking in 1918. The absence of detailed records leaves the ship’s final disposition as an open question in maritime history. It is unclear if it was repaired and returned to operation or dismantled and scrapped.

Located By & Date:

• The vessel sank in Lake Huron near Port Huron, Michigan, on November 1, 1918.
• It was subsequently raised, though the date and exact location of the salvage are not specified.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the William R. Linn, as the vessel no longer poses a navigational hazard.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Analysis:

The William R. Linn exemplifies the challenges faced by Great Lakes steamers during the early 20th century. Its collision with the America highlights the risks of operating in busy waterways, especially during the tumultuous period of World War I. While the vessel’s successful salvage is a testament to the era’s engineering capabilities, the lack of information about its fate post-recovery leaves an intriguing gap in its historical narrative.

Keywords:

William R. Linn steamer, Lake Huron shipwreck, Port Huron Michigan, Great Lakes maritime history, 20th-century steamer, ship collision 1918.

Conclusion:

The William R. Linn remains a noteworthy vessel in the history of Great Lakes shipping, not only for its service as a passenger steamer but also for its dramatic collision and recovery. While the details of its ultimate fate remain unknown, its story adds to the broader understanding of maritime operations and challenges on the Great Lakes during a pivotal time in history. Further research into the vessel’s post-recovery years could uncover new insights into its legacy.

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