Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: Atlantic
  • Official Number: 29914
  • Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Barge
  • Year Built: 1880
  • Builder: Unknown (speculated to be Detroit, MI)
  • Dimensions
    • Initial Dimensions:
      • Length: 34.1 meters (112 feet)
      • Beam: 9.1 meters (30 feet)
      • Depth: 1.8 meters (6 feet)
      • Gross Tonnage: 158 tons
      • Net Tonnage: 147 tons
    • Rebuilt Dimensions (1889):
      • Length: 34.1 meters (112 feet)
      • Beam: 9.2 meters (30.1 feet)
      • Depth: 1.9 meters (6.3 feet)
      • Gross Tonnage: 252 tons
    • Net Tonnage: 208 tons
  • Final Location
    • Wreck Location: Off Harrisville, Michigan, Lake Huron, near the lumber docks
    • Depth: Unknown
    • Current Condition: Abandoned in 1901, broken up in 1902

Vessel Type Description

The Atlantic was initially constructed as a wooden propeller Barge, used primarily for cargo transport, including lumber and coal. Equipped with a steam engine and screw propeller, the vessel represented the technological advances of its time, which prioritized efficiency and versatility over traditional sail-powered craft. A significant Rebuild in 1889 transformed the Atlantic into a screw steam Lighter, enhancing its power and cargo-handling capabilities with the addition of a steam engine and boiler system.

History

The Atlantic served as a vital link in Great Lakes commerce, undergoing multiple modifications to extend its utility and adapt to changing needs:

  • Construction: Built in 1880 and first enrolled in Detroit, Michigan, by 1885, the Atlantic operated out of busy shipping hubs on the Great Lakes.
  • Rebuild (1889): Underwent extensive modifications in Cleveland, Ohio, including the installation of two 8” x 12” HPNC engines (150 horsepower at 110 rpm) and a vertical boiler manufactured by Erie City Iron Works. These upgrades significantly increased its cargo capacity and efficiency.
  • Operations: Owned by several entities over its lifetime, including James Pickands, Pickards, Mather & Co., and H.G. Dalton, the Atlantic played a key role in the transport of goods essential to the region’s economic growth.

4.Decline: After decades of service, the vessel was Abandoned in 1901 due to its age and wear and was dismantled by 1902.

Final Disposition

  • Date of Loss: Reported lost in 1895 near Harrisville, Michigan, though conflicting records suggest abandonment in 1901.
  • Cause of Loss: Likely deterioration from prolonged use and structural fatigue; specifics of the 1895 incident are unclear.
  • Outcome: Broken up in 1902, marking the end of its operational life.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Atlantic. However, navigators near Harrisville, Michigan, should remain cautious due to the historical presence of wrecks, particularly near the old lumber docks.

Located By & Discovery Date

The exact location of the Atlantic’s wreck site remains undocumented, with no definitive evidence of its salvage or precise resting place. Historical accounts place it off Harrisville, Michigan, but further research may be needed to confirm its exact coordinates.

Resources & Links

Keywords Atlantic Propeller Barge Lake Huron Shipwreck Harrisville, Michigan Great Lakes Maritime History 19th-Century Barge Pickands Mather & Co.

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

Specific GPS coordinates for the Atlantic wreck are not available. Researchers and maritime enthusiasts may uncover more details through ongoing studies or exploration of historical archives and local underwater surveys.

Conclusion

The Atlantic exemplifies the working vessels that drove the economic development of the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century. Despite its technological advancements and multiple rebuilds, the vessel ultimately succumbed to age and the challenges of navigating and operating on the Great Lakes. Its uncertain fate underscores the transience of many such vessels, leaving only historical records to tell their stories. The Atlantic serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Great Lakes shipping during a transformative period in maritime history.