Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Wyoming US 80135

Explore the storied wreck of the Wyoming, a wooden steamer lost to fire and storm in 1904, with a history of rebuilds and resilience on the Great Lakes.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Wyoming
  • Type: Wooden Propeller Steamer (Bulk Freight “Rabbit”)
  • Year Built: 1870
  • Builder: Dunford, Detroit, Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length 147 ft (44.8 m); Beam: 28 ft (8.5 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 350 tons (after conversion in 1891)
  • Location: Off Pointe Aux Barques, Lake Huron
  • Official Number: 80135
  • Original Owners: Shannon & Garey, Saginaw, Michigan
  • Number of Masts: Originally steam-powered, later converted to sail, then back to steam

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Wyoming was a wooden propeller steamer designed for bulk freight transport, specifically constructed to haul timber and general cargo across the Great Lakes.

Description

The Wyoming was built in 1870 and underwent numerous modifications throughout her operational life. Initially launched as a 119-foot steam-powered barge, she was later converted into a schooner-barge and then back to a steam-powered vessel, reflecting the evolving nature of maritime technology.

History

The Wyoming had a tumultuous operational history marked by several significant incidents:

  • 1870–1873: Launched as a 119-foot steam-powered barge, primarily transporting timber between Michigan and Ontario.
  • 1873: Converted to an unpowered barge after her engines were removed.
  • October 1871: Stranded near Forester, Michigan, reported as broken up but later repaired.
  • 1876: Sank near Port Huron, Michigan, salvaged and rebuilt.
  • 1882: Rebuilt as a fully rigged schooner, modified to 147 feet long.
  • 1891: Converted back to a steam-powered propeller freighter.
  • 1892: Sank north of Port Huron, raised and repaired, continuing service for another 12 years.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage & Loss (November 12, 1904): The Wyoming departed Lake Superior with a cargo of timbers bound for Goderich, Ontario. Caught in a strong storm, she caught fire and was abandoned by her crew. The vessel burned and foundered 8 miles east of Burnt Cabin Point, off Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan. All crew members were rescued by the U.S. Lifesaving Service, ensuring no loss of life.

Final Disposition

The wreck site of the Wyoming has not been definitively located. It is believed that her wooden hull disintegrated over time, but metal components such as the boiler, propeller, and engine may still exist. The fire and storm damage likely scattered the wreckage across the lakebed. Modern sonar and underwater searches could potentially identify wreckage in deep water off Pointe Aux Barques.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Wyoming is considered missing, with her remains not yet discovered. The potential for discovery remains, as underwater technology advances.

Resources & Links

The Wyoming represents a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the resilience of wooden vessels and the dangers they faced in an era transitioning to steel ships. Her story is a reminder of the importance of preserving maritime heritage and the need for responsible exploration of wreck sites.