KASOTA (1884, Bulk Freighter) Clark Dry Dock Source: Dossin Great Lakes Museum

Identification & Site Information

  • Wreck Name: A.A. PARKER (formerly KASOTA)
  • Vessel Type: Wooden Steamer
  • Year Built: 1884
  • Builder: Unknown
  • Owner at Time of Loss: J.C. Gilchrist
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 246.9 feet (75.2 meters)
    • Beam: 38.2 feet (11.6 meters)
    • Depth: 20.9 feet (6.4 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 1,160.84
  • Net Tonnage: 1,274.24
  • Date of Loss: 1903
  • Location: Approximately 4 miles off Grand Marais, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: Not publicly documented
  • Depth: Likely in deep waters

Vessel Type Description

The A.A. PARKER was a wooden-hulled Steamer designed for bulk cargo transport, such as iron ore, grain, and coal, across the Great Lakes. A hybrid vessel combining steam propulsion with wooden construction, it was a workhorse of late 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Despite its robust design, the wooden Hull made the ship vulnerable to the extreme weather and waves common to Lake Superior.

History

Originally launched in 1884 as the KASOTA, the vessel underwent a name change to A.A. PARKER and was operated by J.C. Gilchrist, a prominent shipowner in Great Lakes trade. Its iron ore cargo routes were vital to regional industry, connecting mining regions in the upper Great Lakes to processing centers in places like Cleveland, Ohio.

The Final Voyage

On a Saturday in 1903, the A.A. PARKER departed Superior, Wisconsin, bound for Cleveland, Ohio, with a load of iron ore. The journey proceeded without issue until the ship encountered a severe storm near Grand Marais, Michigan.

Massive waves pummeled the vessel, eventually breaching the engine room and extinguishing the boiler fires. The crew was left powerless as the Steamer began taking on water. Within moments, the A.A. PARKER was overwhelmed by the storm, with waves sweeping over its Deck as it sank bow-first into the depths of Lake Superior.

Final Disposition

  • Cause of Loss: Severe storm and flooding of the engine room
  • Fate of Vessel: Sank bow-first approximately 4 miles off Grand Marais, Michigan
  • Crew: All 18 crew members were rescued thanks to the quick action of lifesaving crews.

Rescue Operations

Lifesaving crews based in Grand Marais responded quickly to the scene. Despite treacherous conditions, they managed to reach the nearly submerged vessel in surfboats and yawls, assisting the crew in evacuating just moments before the ship went under. The tugboats WESCOTT and M.E.B.A. played a key role in bringing the stranded sailors ashore safely.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the wreck of the A.A. PARKER. Its presumed location in deep water makes it inaccessible to most divers without advanced equipment.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the A.A. PARKER has not been definitively located or documented, though its general vicinity off Grand Marais is known. The site has likely remained undisturbed due to the challenges of deep-water exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

While the exact condition of the wreck is unknown, the cold and oxygen-deprived waters of Lake Superior are known to preserve wooden vessels exceptionally well. If located, the A.A. PARKER could offer a unique glimpse into 19th-century shipbuilding and commerce. Divers or researchers seeking the wreck must adhere to strict conservation guidelines and obtain proper permissions.

Environmental Considerations

Explorers and divers must prioritize environmental preservation. The wreck is part of the Great Lakes’ fragile underwater ecosystem, serving as a habitat for marine life. Any exploration should be conducted respectfully, leaving no trace and avoiding disturbance of the wreck or its surroundings.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The A.A. PARKER is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners. Despite advancements in ship design and navigation, the power of Lake Superior proved insurmountable on that fateful day in 1903. While the ship lies in silence beneath the waves, its story endures as a testament to the courage of its crew and the lifesaving teams who ensured no lives were lost.

By preserving and respecting sites like the A.A. PARKER, we honor the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes and the men and women who braved their waters.

Tags

#AAParker #GreatLakesShipwreck #LakeSuperior #GrandMarais #IronOreFreighter #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesPreservation #19thCenturyShipping #ShipwreckExploration